Living as Easter People

Easter is sometimes mistaken as a one-day event, whereas Easter is really an experience we can cultivate and live every day. To live as Easter People is to believe in resurrection, to believe that there is life after every death – large and small. This may be a job loss, a divorce, a life change, becoming an empty-nester, the loss of ability, a move, the loss of a relationship... the list goes on and on. Belief in the resurrection means that there is always hope for a better day, always the possibility to rise from the ashes, always a second-chance.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19^th century philosopher wrote about Christians and Christianity, but he never became a Christian. When asked about this he responded, “For a group of people who claim to believe in resurrection, none of them looks redeemed!” How true that many Christians seem to be awfully serious and focused solely on judging who gets to heaven and who doesn't. 

Megan McKenna wrote, “The undeniable sign of resurrection is joy, bringing a sense of hope to others that is tangible and irresistible.” For us at Sacred Journeys this takes many forms. Every new person we greet with welcome and acceptance is an act of hope and joy. Every hot meal served, every item collected for various donations, every Christmas basket delivered, is an act of hope and joy. Our booth at Juneteenth Day, our presence at the Pride Rally, the times we march for justice are all acts of resurrection. Every goodie bag stuffed for Meals on Wheels participants is an act of joy and hope. Every Sunday we gather is a counter-cultural statement that says we are Easter People who believe in the possibility of resurrection for each of us, even in the darkest of days.

My greatest hope is that we can remember this! It doesn't mean we're never sad, or afraid, or hurting. But it does mean that we believe we'll get through it and come out the other side into the sunshine once again.

So, live as Easter People! Bring a smile and a helping hand wherever you go. Dance with abandon by yourself or in front of everyone. Raise your voice against injustice, inequality, oppression, and the prejudices that abound. Grow a garden, adopt a rescue animal, make soup for a sick friend, donate to a good cause, plant a tree, read to a child, hold the hand of someone who is dying. These are all actions of Easter People. These and so much more. Go forth and be hope and joy for the world.

Love & Light!

Kaye