I woke this morning to experience mixed emotions. My intent was to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the returning of students to the regular flow of Seminary life. I will do that in a moment. However, while going about my morning routine I saw the news that Pope Francis died early this morning.
We pause to grieve and give thanks for the life and work of Pope Francis…
…
And…
This is a good reminder that death is not the end of our journey.
This is the season when we begin each worship service proclaiming, “Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!”
Easter is the day that makes all the pain and suffering of the past week make sense. Creator God, through the incarnation of Jesus, entered into the violence and suffering that we created. Jesus stood in solidarity with the outcast and oppressed. He absorbed the injustice and did not retaliate with violence. As he died, he forgave those who killed him.
That would be a tragic story if it ended there.
But it didn’t.
Jesus’ death on the cross was God’s resounding “NO!” to the corruption and violence of the systems that humans have created that distort the original vision of God.
Jesus came out of the grave.
Jesus’ resurrection is God’s resounding “YES!” to LIFE and new beginnings.
It is not too late. It is never too late. God’s CHESED–steadfast, unfailing love–will call us to new life again, and again, and again.
I think Pope Francis tried to model that hope in his life and ministry. Rest in peace.
This Week in chapel
All chapel events are at 11:00am
- Tuesday Contemplative Practice in OCC Meditation Chapel and on Zoom
- Wednesday The International Students Association leads worship with Holy Communion in the Chapel of the Incarnation and on YouTube. Stay for treats at the Chapel Cafe afterwards. We welcome Pastor Venicious Reeves to preach and Pastor Sumo Kokor to lead worship.
- Thursday 11:00am – Lunch Church. M.Div. Student Ann Emilie Tjorhom gives her “Why Jesus?” presentation in Dining Room A and on Zoom.
- Friday intercessory prayer on Zoom.