Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
“I have seen the Lord!” These were the words Mary Magdalene said to the disciples according to John 20:18. In these five words she announced the resurrection and claimed Christ’s presence and victory over death. In spite of some not believing her, she testified to Christ’s presence because it was real and too good not to be shared. Mary Magdalene had seen the Lord and no matter what anyone else said, she was prepared to live into the truth of his resurrection and teachings.
How have we seen the Lord? I saw the Lord living and active in so many of you this Lenten season. I saw Jesus when so many of you:
• shared your talents – sometimes even doing so at both services!
• stepped up to care for people in need or struggling in the community as well as in the church;
• took the time to nurture relationships, even when that was difficult;
• worshipped with open hearts and welcomed others to join you;
• worked to create a more just and loving world.
I saw Jesus, because I saw you and a bunch of other people who have the risen Christ living in them and through them.
Although Easter itself is a one-day event, let’s work together to live into the power of the resurrection – creating with God’s help beauty and wonder out of tragedy and defeat – every day throughout the year. As the song “Every Morning Is Easter Morning” says, “Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day’s resurrection day the past is over and gone.”
Thankful to live with you as Easter people throughout the year. May we encourage and challenge each other to see Jesus together and to follow him wherever that leads us!
Pastor Donna