It’s the day after the disciples and other followers have heard of the extraordinary events that occurred the day before. Cleopas and his friend have already rushed back to the disciples to tell them of what happened at Emmaus; Peter has already rushed to the tomb to find it empty, and they all wonder what will happen next.
That is, of course, where we are: wondering what will happen next. We find ourselves caught up in details, in the varying stories, and wonder where all this will lead us in our search for an Easter faith.
Our search leads us back to the way Jesus teaches us to live. An Easter faith is more than images of angels floating about the clouds. An Easter faith is grounded here on earth living as followers of the One who gives a new vision of God who accompanies us in our daily lives as we strive to establish a realm of justice and mercy.
Prayer for the Day
Source of life, in whom we live and move and have our being,
Quench our thirst, refresh our weariness, and bathe our wounds.
Wellspring of hope, spring up within and among us,
Fill us with your being and grace us with your presence.
Open us to the love that casts fear making your love evident in our lives
So we bring the world into peace through your righteousness.
In the name of him who proclaimed your kingdom,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about.
N.T. Wright, theologian, from Surprised by Hope
Easter is proof that we can begin again.
Richelle E. Goodrich, writer
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last God will stand upon this earth,
And after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God
Whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold and not another.
Job 19: 25-26