Dear Beloveds of the Mountain Sky Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, with whom we journey from the joy of Palm Sunday, to betrayal and arrest, to crucifixion and burial, to the joy of resurrection.
Have you noticed that those who first encountered the risen Christ didn’t recognize him? Whether standing by the tomb or walking on the road to Emmaus, people engaged with Christ but couldn’t see who he was through their tears and broken hearts. It is only when they engage more deeply—the calling of Mary’s name or the breaking of bread—that they are able to see that Christ has risen from the dead.
God forever broke the chains of death through the resurrection of Christ. Are you able to see the signs of new life bursting forth in your life and our world?
Resurrection happens in our world all the time. Each dawn is a sign of resurrection. Flowers pushing through the warming earth is a sign of resurrection. Forgiveness after deep hurt is a sign of resurrection. New love after a broken relationship is a sign of resurrection. New buds on trees after a forest fire is a sign of resurrection. Recovery after years of addiction is a sign of resurrection. Healing from a wound is a sign of resurrection. The experience of joy after great sadness and loss is a sign of resurrection.
The resurrected Christ comes to us in our greatest need, deepest hurt, amidst our hunger and longing. Christ comes to us through our tears and deep sighs. Christ comes where there is death and offers new life.
May your Easter celebration be a taste of that new life!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Blessings,
Bishop Karen Oliveto
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