St. John’s and Practicing Resurrection
I am all for having spiritual experiences, whether the slow-growing garden variety or even the sudden flash of lightning. The challenge with spiritual experiences is that we can make the experience all about ourselves. Peter, John, Mary, and Thomas had pivotal experiences with the resurrected Christ, but these experiences weren’t solely for those individuals but rather for the community. Resurrection is not a private country club event; resurrection is God creating a community of hope, a community of belonging for all to know God’s salvific acts.
Easter creates a new kind of community, a community in which liberation, justice, inclusion, and belonging flourish. St. John’s practices inclusivity, justice, and faith in Christ. We are a people who value all being welcome because all belong. I love the familiarity of the Easter accounts, but Easter is about more than familiarity. Easter is not about the comfort of the familiar, the lilies adorning the altar, or our favorite Easter hymns belted out. Rather, Easter disrupted the status quo. Jesus was hung alongside two criminals. His side was pierced, and he was buried in a cave. And yet, there was holy disruption with Jesus’ resurrection. There was fear and angst, grief and tears, misunderstanding and attempts to understand. Our everyday order was disrupted, and with that disruption came transformation.
People’s hearts and minds were transformed way back when, and I hope that our very selves are being transformed by the Easter message today, as well. The disciples’ fear turned into courage as they shared with one another their experiences of Jesus. Disciples were isolated from the rest of the community, but isolation turned into connection with others as they worked to embody the love of Christ in their midst.
Jesus appeared to all kinds of folks, not just a faithful few. Jesus was inclusive. Christ created communities of belonging; the gift of resurrection was for all creation. Jesus was about justice; he refused to let violence and oppression have the last word. And faith was very much part of the resurrection. We seek new life in Christ, even when we cannot always see it.
What does practicing resurrection look like for St. John’s? We are to extend radical welcome and belonging for everyone in worship. This radical welcome comes easily for some, while others find it a bit challenging. All of us are invited to consider how we radically welcome all to worship. We show up for people in need, whether needing an ear for listening, water for hydration, menstrual products for women, support for someone coming out, or simply a cup of coffee with a friend. We show up. We choose to be in relationship rather than judging others. It can be entirely too easy to judge. I invite us to be curious whenever we sense our judgment rising. And, even in the midst of great resurrection joy and celebration, we make space for those who are grieving. We recognize and remember that we all have challenges unknown to others.
Remember with me that Easter isn’t just one day. Easter is a season. Some call it Eastertide, while others call it The Great Fifty Days of Easter. How will you practice resurrection this Eastertide with your St. John’s family?
