At Easter: Selfless Love, Divine Power

 

Lord Christ,

I sense your presence and blessing as spring unfolds. And I find it in family, especially my marvelous grandkids! Still, I suffer from “grumpy old man” syndrome. 

I need Easter! Can I get an Alleluia!?!

Too much news. Too much Twitter. School shootings. Deadly tornados. Political turmoil. MAGA. Ukraine. The new Cold War. 

I need the Resurrection. I need the promise of restoration. I need that celebration of Christian hope!

Atonement theory trips me up. The conservative canon of inerrancy, hellfire and End Times confounds me, too. I am, however, fully convinced of two Easter tenets:

“Christ Crucified” proves your devotion to humankind. In a most ignominious way, you surrendered your life. That ultimate sacrifice is convicting. Your selfless, mighty love for us is deep and wide.

“The Risen Christ” demonstrates your authority over evil and death. This super natural, awe inspiring display of Divine power is compelling. The most daunting obstacles can be overcome when we put our trust in you.

For the intensity of Christ’s Easter love, Alleluia!

For the supremacy of Christ’s Easter love, Alleluia!

Amen.

Artwork credit

"I Quit!" in Lent

My career ends as Lent begins. 

I treasure the accolades, the friendships and memories, but the real treasure is God’s faithfulness over fifty years. 

Retirement unfolds and I’m called to relax my grip on what was. There’s a Holy knowing in this Lenten season that it’s merely dust and ashes. 

Mark my forehead with those ashes - a sign of humility, a reminder of my mortality.

Bass, Rohr and Nouwen are my counselors (via e-mail.*) They are far more helpful than Job’s friends! 

Bass reminds me about “stripping the alter,” about our monuments turning to dust. It’s time to sweep out the attic; create something new. 

Rohr calls me away from prestige, success and influence. What he calls my survival dance is to be replaced by a sacred dance. 

Nouwen encourages a new focus: to think God’s thoughts, to speak God’s words, to take God’s action. 

May all of this take hold in my head and heart...in my life. Amen. 

* Links to Diana Butler Bass, Richard Rohr and Henri Nouwen:

https://dianabutlerbass.com/the-cottage/

https://cac.org/daily-meditations/

https://henrinouwen.org/meditation/