Do not rush to Easter this year. Linger at the Last Supper and lay claim to Christ's self-giving. Intently watch the events of Good Friday unfold and consider how you are connected with the betrayal of Christ. Note the pain and anguish of the crucifixion and see the cost of Christ's self-giving. Stand in the shadows on Holy Saturday and see the tomb with the stone still across the entrance and envision what the world must have been like with Christ dead and buried along with our hopes and dreams. Then, return to the empty tomb and marvel at God's power to resurrect. As you encounter the Risen Christ, consider the possibilities for your life when you give it over to the God who dies for us, but also have the power to bring life out of death.
Our Lenten disciplines are coming to an end. The real measure of how Lent went for us will be seen when we meet the Risen Christ. Are we open and willing to follow him? Have we emptied ourselves enough to make room for God to fill us anew? Any changes we made during Lent must find their place in the aftermath of Easter. Christ is Risen. What does that mean for each of us?
Peace,
Richard
From Jo Hermes via Richard: I have a brief comment on what I read today about emptying the self of worldly control as a literal offering. Lots of us older folks see this happening to ourselves as we age and choose to just rebel in various ways. I find the author's perspective a gift on how to age gracefully because of Jesus' acting on our behalf while he was a human being dying. He grieved about the prospect, but then he dealt with the situations without a tantrum or recrimination against people or God. What a man! What a Savior! Onward! Jo
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