THE EASTER CHURCH -- Part One

We want so much to be an “Easter Church” here in our community. By that I mean the body of Christ that bears His marks of both suffering with as well as overcoming power.

We have entered into the sufferings of our community with this purpose. The shame, the alienation, the darkness and terror, fear and hopelessness that these pains bring, we cannot avoid. The cross compels us to not be removed, ambivalent or detached. With solidarity we live with the broken, we know the fellowship of the worn out and enjoy the company of the disowned. We wear each other’s clothes.

There is a child who walks these streets lost. His powerlessness we claim, most days unable to both want him or discard him. We are named by him. There is a mother, wracked by the men who have abandoned and abused her and her children. She is ours; There are the unemployed, the angry gossips, the perpetual panhandlers … our friends, our brothers and sisters, Jesus in disguise.

We live anticipating the morning where sin is forgiven and the cave’s emptiness shouts: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead!” The “Easter Church” remains where the blood stained love demands it to be, its presence bellowing, loudly, “even this can be overcome”, and believing He will not fail.

Do you hear Him … I do! “Remain in My Love, as I have remained in My Father’s love”. Remain!