Here at University UMC, our sermon series over the past few weeks was titled “Stations of the Resurrection.” The inspiration for this series came from Christian artist Scott Erickson. He validates perhaps what many of us think and feel on an Easter Sunday morning. We may put on something a little nicer and sing “Alleluia”, but mostly we’re wondering, “Has anything really changed?” Back then, Rome was still Rome and people were still hurting. Today, people are still hurting. I consider the scripture lessons we’ve studied so far. Jesus appears to Doubting Thomas. In his encounter with the risen Christ, Thomas is changed. He is freed from the label “doubter” and will go forth to spread the good news of God’s love. Having the compassion and faith to touch Christ’s woundedness, he becomes a wounded healer in his own right—one who has experienced suffering and is now able to hold space for others who suffer. Then the resurrected Christ appeared to the disciples who were out fishing. We are told the disciple whom Jesus loved was the first to recognize Jesus. And once they all get back to the shore, Jesus cooks breakfast for everyone. This story always fills me with delight. The thought of Jesus making breakfast and enjoying one last meal with his friends. What joy and comfort this experience must have given the disciples. How it changed them for the better. Jesus looks to Peter and asks him to take care of everyone. Peter, who previously denied Jesus, is freed from the label “denier” and is now entrusted with the work of following in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd.
What does Easter change? Easter changes me. Easter changes us. Scott Erickson goes on to write, “The world may not have changed the morning Jesus was resurrected, but Jesus changed. Then his resurrection encounters with his followers irrevocably changed them and changed their communities, and that changed the world.”
This Sunday concludes our “Stations of the Resurrection” series, and Pastor Earl will be preaching the beloved story of the Walk to Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel Chapter 24. I know we will be blessed as our eyes continue to be opened to the Living Christ in our midst and as we ourselves are changed by His presence.
Today, I leave you with a few different things to explore. First, May is Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Find below a couple of great articles to learn more.
Also, I’m sharing a few songs on my mind as I listen to the rain. It’s an eclectic mix! “Here Comes the Rain” is an upbeat and poppy song from the rock band “Weezer.” “Singin’ in the Rain” was written in 1929 by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. You’ll see a modern version of this song by one of my favorite jazz artists, Jamie Cullum. There’s also a YouTube video from an old Ed Sullivan Show featuring “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” It’s more than a little silly to me, but oh, how it makes me smile! It might make you smile too, perhaps with a bit of nostalgia.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
