We are celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection and the life He brings us.

I hope we don’t miss the profound effect Jesus’ Resurrection can bring us at Easter.

This is not just a holiday where we decorate with bunnies and give baskets of candy.

Jesus is a person who was born because of God’s deep love for us.

He is a person who teaches us how to live in God’s love.

Jesus, holding fast to God’s love, gave His life up for us.

His death was a long, violent, and painful death, but His love for you and me was stronger.

Then Jesus rose from the dead, opening Heaven to us for eternal life.

That’s what we are celebrating.

Hope.

Peace.

That is what I found myself longing for.

I gave up all sweats and alcohol, needing Jesus’ help to get healthier.

I recommitted to praying Morning Prayer, needing Jesus’ help to keep my prayer disciplines as His disciple.

Those things are good, but what Jesus brought me during those 40 days was the realization that what I really long for is the hope and peace only He can bring.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel Jesus’ apostles are together, still in shock and fear after Jesus was crucified and died. Jesus rose from the dead and He stands before them, even though the doors were locked, and says…

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Jesus continues to be present to us, bringing hope and peace.

I am blessed that through the 40 days of Lent, bad habits were broken, and good habits were rebuilt. But a more profound blessing is the Easter hope and peace that only Jesus can bring!

Easter blessings of hope and peace to you! 

P.S. Don’t forget to bring your CRS RICE BOWL back! Thank you for sacrificing things for God during Lent, putting the money you’d spend into your CRS RICE BOWL to help those in need. Please bring them back to church on Sunday, April 27th.