Jesus said to her, "...go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and to your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord."
John 20:17-18
As I am writing this reflection, the ground is frozen and covered with ice and snow and my mind keeps holding on to the words of the song, The Rose: "When the night has been too lonely, And the road has been too long, And you think that love is only, For the lucky and the strong, Just remember in the winter, Far beneath the bitter snows, Lies the seed that with the sun's love, In the spring becomes the rose." For me it is "with the" Son's love, that we, like Jesus, are enabled to rise up like the rose.
To Mary Magdalene belongs the glory of being the first person to see the Risen Christ. What joy must have filled her heart – the man whom she loved and worshiped had died, and now has been raised. The Son's Love filled her heart and she announced, "I have seen the Lord." For us Christianity does not mean knowing about Jesus; it means knowing Jesus. It does not mean talking about Jesus; it means encountering Jesus. With the certainty of the experience that Jesus is alive, you and I are called also to proclaim: "I have seen the Lord." Jesus has been raised from the dead! Alleluia! Alleluia!
William H. C. Ticknor+
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2010 Holy Saturday
Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:17
The verse of the day, John 3:17 is the lesser known of that portion of John Chapter 3. The verse prior to John 3:17 is the well known and beloved verse also known as “the Bible in a nutshell”:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
In my study Bible, it says that “John 3:17 continues the message of John 3:16 which “links Jesus’ death with God’s love for the world. God gives Jesus in love to all people and whoever believes in this gift will receive eternal life. Verses 17 and 18 reinforce that the incarnation is about the possibility of new life, not judgment.” (The New Interpreter’s Study Bible New Revised Standard Version).
The Easter message of God’s own Son’s suffering and death on the cross and then His resurrection is explained in full in these verses and the reassurance we have in God’s perfect love for us is made evident.
John U. Leventry, Jr.
John 3:17
The verse of the day, John 3:17 is the lesser known of that portion of John Chapter 3. The verse prior to John 3:17 is the well known and beloved verse also known as “the Bible in a nutshell”:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
In my study Bible, it says that “John 3:17 continues the message of John 3:16 which “links Jesus’ death with God’s love for the world. God gives Jesus in love to all people and whoever believes in this gift will receive eternal life. Verses 17 and 18 reinforce that the incarnation is about the possibility of new life, not judgment.” (The New Interpreter’s Study Bible New Revised Standard Version).
The Easter message of God’s own Son’s suffering and death on the cross and then His resurrection is explained in full in these verses and the reassurance we have in God’s perfect love for us is made evident.
John U. Leventry, Jr.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2010 Good Friday
Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body.
John 19:38
When reading the above passage I am struck with complete awe at the courage and love that Joseph of Arimathea had for his Lord and Savior. Not much is known about this character Joseph, other than he was known as an honorable counselor, who waited for the kingdom of God. We know that fear captivated him as he watched his Lord being arrested, beaten, and murdered. Honestly, I think we all would be scared at such a sight. However, what amazes me about this passage is Joseph’s desire to give his Lord a proper burial, no matter how difficult it may be.
And so, he approaches Pontius Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. Upon permission from Pilate, Joseph finds himself at the foot of the cross where his Lord and Savior hang lifeless. What a powerful moment for Joseph. If there is one person in the world that truly understood the reality of Jesus’ death I think it is Joseph as he carries the dead weight of Christ to the tomb. Every step that Joseph took must have been encompassed with guilt, fear, and a feeling of loss. Yet, with every step Joseph finds his heart being transformed from disbelief to belief. As Christians we know that in three days Jesus will be raised from the dead and that death will no longer have the final word. Yet, for now we, like Joseph, wait.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
John 19:38
When reading the above passage I am struck with complete awe at the courage and love that Joseph of Arimathea had for his Lord and Savior. Not much is known about this character Joseph, other than he was known as an honorable counselor, who waited for the kingdom of God. We know that fear captivated him as he watched his Lord being arrested, beaten, and murdered. Honestly, I think we all would be scared at such a sight. However, what amazes me about this passage is Joseph’s desire to give his Lord a proper burial, no matter how difficult it may be.
And so, he approaches Pontius Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. Upon permission from Pilate, Joseph finds himself at the foot of the cross where his Lord and Savior hang lifeless. What a powerful moment for Joseph. If there is one person in the world that truly understood the reality of Jesus’ death I think it is Joseph as he carries the dead weight of Christ to the tomb. Every step that Joseph took must have been encompassed with guilt, fear, and a feeling of loss. Yet, with every step Joseph finds his heart being transformed from disbelief to belief. As Christians we know that in three days Jesus will be raised from the dead and that death will no longer have the final word. Yet, for now we, like Joseph, wait.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2010 Maundy Thursday
I give you a new commandment, to love one another.
John 13:34
At the dinner table, Satan had entered into the body of Judas Iscariot. Jesus asks Satan what he is doing at their feast, and as soon as Judas takes the bread, he is gone.
Jesus then said to his disciples, “I give you a new command, to love one another.” He tells them that if they do this, He will know that they are His disciples.
This commandment not only applied to Jesus’ disciples. It now applies to us Christians. Jesus will know that we are His followers if we love one another. Some of us, however, are unable to love one another, due to conflict, racism, etc. However, if we take time to realize that all Jesus wants is for us to love one another, then we can make simple changes to our lives and be one with Christ.
After Jesus has spoken to his disciples, he informs them that he will be leaving, and they cannot follow. Peter asks, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
We all know that next, Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows three times, he will deny Jesus. We all wonder, how could someone who loved Jesus so much, deny him? But, this passage made us think, are we any different than Peter? Haven’t we all been in a situation where our faith has been brought into question? Are we willing to lay down our lives for Jesus?
Will and Caroline Pickart
John 13:34
At the dinner table, Satan had entered into the body of Judas Iscariot. Jesus asks Satan what he is doing at their feast, and as soon as Judas takes the bread, he is gone.
Jesus then said to his disciples, “I give you a new command, to love one another.” He tells them that if they do this, He will know that they are His disciples.
This commandment not only applied to Jesus’ disciples. It now applies to us Christians. Jesus will know that we are His followers if we love one another. Some of us, however, are unable to love one another, due to conflict, racism, etc. However, if we take time to realize that all Jesus wants is for us to love one another, then we can make simple changes to our lives and be one with Christ.
After Jesus has spoken to his disciples, he informs them that he will be leaving, and they cannot follow. Peter asks, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
We all know that next, Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows three times, he will deny Jesus. We all wonder, how could someone who loved Jesus so much, deny him? But, this passage made us think, are we any different than Peter? Haven’t we all been in a situation where our faith has been brought into question? Are we willing to lay down our lives for Jesus?
Will and Caroline Pickart
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 31, 2010 Wednesday, Holy Week
So, after receiving the piece of bread, [Judas] immediately went out. And it was night.
John 13:30
We all know that what happens all around this verse, before and after, inevitably leads to the capture, crucifixion, and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. Knowing this, it is easy to see in the scripture before this verse Jesus is predicting his own fate to his disciples, and singles out his betrayer. What we don’t know is how, after being singled out as the one to be responsible for such betrayal, Judas Iscariot must have felt when he was handed a piece of bread by the man he was about to sell-out, and sent on his way.
Judas was a follower, a believer, and a friend of Jesus for some time, so to jump to conclusions that he was such a deceitful person that this was and easy decision for him to make would be strongly opposed by many. So the question rises up before us, what was Judas thinking? Was his conscience going from side to side, was he constantly questioning what he wanted to do, or did he just go on with it with no remorse?
In life we are constantly faced with choices, no matter how big or small. Should I do this even though my parents would strongly disagree, or even, do I want to eat the cake or the ice cream? Nonetheless Judas was faced with a decision that was inevitable, and sometimes so are we. We just need to take our time, slow down and ask the question, what is at stake?
Journey to Adulthood (J2A, grades 8-9)
John 13:30
We all know that what happens all around this verse, before and after, inevitably leads to the capture, crucifixion, and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. Knowing this, it is easy to see in the scripture before this verse Jesus is predicting his own fate to his disciples, and singles out his betrayer. What we don’t know is how, after being singled out as the one to be responsible for such betrayal, Judas Iscariot must have felt when he was handed a piece of bread by the man he was about to sell-out, and sent on his way.
Judas was a follower, a believer, and a friend of Jesus for some time, so to jump to conclusions that he was such a deceitful person that this was and easy decision for him to make would be strongly opposed by many. So the question rises up before us, what was Judas thinking? Was his conscience going from side to side, was he constantly questioning what he wanted to do, or did he just go on with it with no remorse?
In life we are constantly faced with choices, no matter how big or small. Should I do this even though my parents would strongly disagree, or even, do I want to eat the cake or the ice cream? Nonetheless Judas was faced with a decision that was inevitable, and sometimes so are we. We just need to take our time, slow down and ask the question, what is at stake?
Journey to Adulthood (J2A, grades 8-9)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 30, 2010 Tuesday, Holy Week
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip... and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
John 12:20-21
The Greeks were not the only people who needed to see Jesus, there were many others. Believing for most of us would be so much easier if we could witness the presence of Jesus as those who saw Him that day at the festival. The need to have real evidence in the here and now is part of our twenty-first century culture, maybe even more than in Jesus' life time.
When my children started learning about Jesus in Sunday school and the books read to them at home, I worried that they were not as interested in those stories as they were in the Winnie the Pooh books. My concern continued through college and into their married lives. As it turned out, I was the one of little faith like those in Jesus' time who insisted upon seeing and hearing Jesus in order to believe.
It was the community of St. James' and our family that taught them about God's love. Now both daughters are teaching others what they learned and believe.
Nancy McClunin
John 12:20-21
The Greeks were not the only people who needed to see Jesus, there were many others. Believing for most of us would be so much easier if we could witness the presence of Jesus as those who saw Him that day at the festival. The need to have real evidence in the here and now is part of our twenty-first century culture, maybe even more than in Jesus' life time.
When my children started learning about Jesus in Sunday school and the books read to them at home, I worried that they were not as interested in those stories as they were in the Winnie the Pooh books. My concern continued through college and into their married lives. As it turned out, I was the one of little faith like those in Jesus' time who insisted upon seeing and hearing Jesus in order to believe.
It was the community of St. James' and our family that taught them about God's love. Now both daughters are teaching others what they learned and believe.
Nancy McClunin
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 29, 2010 Monday, Holy Week
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.”
John 12:7
Before the triumphant entry that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus dined in Bethany, with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. After dinner, Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair, which filled the house with the perfumed scent.
Judas (many of us can relate to him in this passage, his practicality and also selfishness ring out) argued that the expensive perfume was worth a year’s wages—it should have been sold and the money should have gone to the poor.
Then, in 12:7, Jesus defends Mary. He responded to Judas by telling him to leave Mary alone; she brought the perfume for the day of his burial.
When our class read the passage, the following themes occurred in our discussion:
• Mary had complete faith in Jesus, the Christ. She had reverence, respect, and honored him.
• Following Jesus has nothing to do with your level of society; people in different economic situations can still be faithful followers.
• Mary using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet is a humbling gesture.
• People showed their love to Christ in different ways- this was Mary’s gift to Jesus.
• Mary made Jesus a priority,
• Are we too practical for faith?
• Do we understand what extensive sacrifice is?
At a time before Jesus’ death and resurrection, Mary proved her love and devotion to Jesus, despite criticism. What a role model she is to us!
Young Adults in Church (YAC, grades 10-12)
John 12:7
Before the triumphant entry that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus dined in Bethany, with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. After dinner, Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair, which filled the house with the perfumed scent.
Judas (many of us can relate to him in this passage, his practicality and also selfishness ring out) argued that the expensive perfume was worth a year’s wages—it should have been sold and the money should have gone to the poor.
Then, in 12:7, Jesus defends Mary. He responded to Judas by telling him to leave Mary alone; she brought the perfume for the day of his burial.
When our class read the passage, the following themes occurred in our discussion:
• Mary had complete faith in Jesus, the Christ. She had reverence, respect, and honored him.
• Following Jesus has nothing to do with your level of society; people in different economic situations can still be faithful followers.
• Mary using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet is a humbling gesture.
• People showed their love to Christ in different ways- this was Mary’s gift to Jesus.
• Mary made Jesus a priority,
• Are we too practical for faith?
• Do we understand what extensive sacrifice is?
At a time before Jesus’ death and resurrection, Mary proved her love and devotion to Jesus, despite criticism. What a role model she is to us!
Young Adults in Church (YAC, grades 10-12)
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