New life

[U]nless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  John 12:24

Grace and peace to you as we near Holy Week. May this weekend bring you life and joy. And if you are weary, grieving, sick, or in any trouble, know you are in the everlasting arms of God. St. Peter’s is here for you. I am here for you.

This saying by Jesus in the gospel of John quoted above takes us to the heart of Lent. Jesus gave his life so that all may live. During Holy Week, just over a week from today, many of us will gather to celebrate the Paschal Triduum – the three days known as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Easter Vigil – that recalls the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.. 

Over these three days we will mark Jesus’s final meal with his disciples. We will remember Jesus’ passion, stand before God on behalf of the world, and venerate the cross. We will rehearse all that God has done to bring life to the world, most importantly sending Jesus. Finally we will proclaim Christ has risen. These days will be a time to remember, pray, sing, and keep silence. We will enter the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection and praise God that Jesus rose from the dead and indeed lives. We live by this truth.

Later today we commend Andy Witherell to God. We will proclaim, as we have many times over the past 15 months, the reality that “[E]ven at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”  I am grateful we are an Easter people. Death never has the last word. Love does.