FEATHER: Almighty, we, the children of your creation, invite you into our circles. May your light and peace fill our lives, driving away the darkness of distraction and despair. May your truth flood our thoughts and actions, and in so doing, may we forever walk with you in the journey of life and faith. Almighty, especially in these days that are so difficult to comprehend, humble our hearts that we may always reach out to you, that your strength and love may bless us to be a blessing to those who journey with us in our circle of life and ministry. This we pray through your Son, the Peacemaker Jesus Christ. Amen.
SAGE: To me, April has always meant the threshold of change and new life in season and ministry. As the land warms under the face of the sun, we see the green of leaf and blade return. In these moments, I remember seeking out the first crocus flower when I was young, and my heart warms as I remember my grandmother’s smile as I held out for her the simple purple flower, my offering of beauty for beauty. Those in our journey of life and ministry are held in memory and heart, lifted up in the promise of new life through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our Lenten journey has led us to this moment, wherein we hear and see the return of life—wondrous, mysterious and promised in the Easter message. This revealing spotlights the foretelling and promise made through Christ, that He would truly rise, from death to life anew. Though the disciples struggled to comprehend and accept His message, the Lord in patience and love smiled and continued the ministry journey in obedience, knowing that they would fully understand in the revealing.
For those of faith, the Easter message is heralded in the church with the return of beauty. White cloths and frontals again adorn altars, veils are lifted from crosses, and joyous alleluias rise up from congregations. Flowers embraced in vases draw the eyes to the invitation of the Eucharist, and messages of hope and love are proclaimed.
It has been a glorious journey, Lent to Easter—the revealing, promise and invitation given and fulfilled. Life and love begin the circle again, as we step forward together in one more season. Easter is a beautiful time, for some simple as a crocus pushing its petals out to greet the sun, or complex as continuing in faith, heeding the call and ministry of Jesus Christ, waiting for the day when we, too, will see face to face our Lord and Saviour, who has defeated death and broken the chains of sin. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
