Easter Hope
It can feel like the world has gone crazy. Like we’re all bubbling on a sea of chaos with no chance of finding something safe to grab a hold of, so we can keep our heads above water. Everywhere we turn we see disruption, chaos, war, and strife. Oil prices are skyrocketing. Financial markets are reeling. Cost of living is rising. Our planet is being stripped of its resources and God’s creatures are stressed. No wonder people are anxious and losing their minds.
Yet if you zoom out from everyday bad news and look closely, there is still so much beauty in the world. So much compassion. So much magic and wonder. So many amazing people are making a difference in everything they do to make the world a better place. We harness our faith as a form of activism to make the world a better place instead of burying our heads in the sand and “hoping it all goes away.”
Adversity can be a great catalyst for change. Amidst the chaos, there is a possibility for a meaningful transformation. This is what it’s like to live in God’s grace and peace (when there is no peace). To be grounded in God’s peace and knowing that God is in love with you and all God’s creation. When you see the world through this lens, it is much easier to navigate the chaos and witness everything going on with enduring Easter hope. Easter hope lies in the fact that God took the worst event in the cosmos, the death of God-man, and turned it into a cosmic hope for all. Disciples of Jesus lost all hope and lived in fear. But when they witness the resurrection of Jesus, they became fearless in spreading the gospel of good news.
I believe the world is going through a profound transformation. From global unrest to personal challenges, many of us are feeling the intensity of these times. And yet, within the turbulence, there is also a powerful invitation. An invitation to live more fully from God’s Presence. To be part of creating a new “perfect union,” new world order, together.
This Easter Sunday we will be celebrating confirmation of our five boys (Ethan Abenoja, King-ston Stewart, Ethan Acosta, Mateo Pozoz, Christian Chavez from 4th grade to 7th grade) who have been in the Confirmation for the last five weeks, including serving food to the hungry and attending the Jewish synagogue to witness Bar Mitzvah service (equivalent of our Confirma-tion). In addition, Kingston will be receiving Baptism. Please hold these boys in your hearts and in your prayers. I want to thank Marieta Flores who has been my assistant. Come on out to Easter Sunday and help us celebrate this joyful occasion.
Hope spring eternal!
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed.
John
