Easter 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters at Christ the Redeemer,
Easter greetings as we gather at the Lord's Table! As we read in the afternoon gospel of Easter, we, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, recognize the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread. Frequently after his resurrection, Jesus ate and drank with his disciples. This was the wonderful victory feast over sin and death. The evangelist Luke tells us in the Emmaus story that they knew him in the way he gathered with them at Eucharist as he took, blessed, and broke the bread.
What a wonderful opportunity to remember who we are as an Easter People! Our parking lot is overflowing, the Church is more than capacity, we sing our Alleluias, and at the center of who we are we remember the Pascal Mystery. In the context of the Resurrection Story proclaimed in the gospel, we remember the Christ Mystery as Jesus did and we likewise do: taking bread, blessing it, breaking it and giving it to believers within the community. At the center of our Eucharistic Assembly the Lord raised from the dead is among us. As for Christians through the centuries, he is our joy and our life.
In the Lucan account before they sit for the evening meal, at which they come to know the Risen Lord, stories are shared both by the disciples and by the Lord himself. They tell him of their disappointments, their sadness on the death of their rabbi and even how the body had been taken away. Jesus' story is of the faithful love of God from creation, through the desert, with the prophets and kings, and even includes their slowness of heart in believing. Later the disciples would describe their listening, telling each other "were not our hearts burning within us." We are people of the Word.
As we gather to hear God's Word and to celebrate around the Lord's Table, imagine the thousands of stories within the Assembly. The flowers, the music, the smells, the fellowship only hint at the joys, tears, laughter, and peace known in the hearts of the believers today. This story telling, along with the sharing in the Body of Christ allow us to know the Lord among us. We are gathered into his presence with joy and hope. We are people of broken Bread.
Consistently after the resurrection, Jesus would greet believers with two phrases: Peace be with you and don't be afraid. Take heart today as we gather for Easter Eucharist and be embraced in that Peace which is Christ. Lay aside fear and darkness and walk in that Light which is the Lord among us.
