Happy Easter! By the time this goes to press, we will have just celebrated Easter. One of my favorite church traditions from Zion is our unique way of celebrating the Risen Lord. I always cherish Easter Sunday and how Zion attendees greet one another and share the Good News. When seeing each other, the first will make the statement, “He is Risen!” quickly answered by the other person responding “Christ is Risen indeed, Hallelujah,” usually followed by a shared smile. Our family tradition is that the same brief conversation is repeated many times over the course of the day. It is a wonderful Christian salutation, but also a reminder of the miracle that took place so many years ago and the inspiration it gave the disciples to go out and spread the Good News to all who would listen.
Before the death and resurrection of Jesus, death was only known as an ending, something to be avoided at all costs. Because of His example, we as Christians know there is much more. While his life on earth came to a sudden end, his mission carries on within each one of us.
There is a movie that came out awhile back, called “Pay it Forward.” It was a simple concept created by a middle school boy, whose school project was to put into action a plan that would change the world for the better. His idea gets started with him doing something nice for three other people, but rather than repaying the debt, each of the three individuals instead would “pay it forward” by doing something nice for three more people, and so on. The young boy is crushed when his initial attempts seemingly don’t work out and it appears the plan will fail. However, to his surprise and those around him, the idea catches on just enough and spreads from his hometown to across the nation, benefitting a lot of different people along the way in unexpected ways. I loved the message of the story, in that one person can make a profound difference in the world, and all it takes is the willingness to start with a simple kind act (or three).
Perhaps, as it did for the disciples, the Easter season will provide inspiration to you as well, to put more good out into the world along with sharing the Good News to all who will listen.
Lastly, Zion has been a very busy place during the Lenten season, especially on Wednesday evenings. Special thanks to all of those that made it such a meaningful time, from preparing meals enjoyed by so many, to thought- provoking speakers sharing their perspectives after the Lenten service, along with everything in between. I am very grateful for all who volunteered and made an impact.
