The tomb is open; all has changed
Life forever rearranged
Challenging me:
Living
Growing
Healing
Knowing?
Being.
There were times earlier in ministry when the weeks following Easter were ones of stillness, of rest, of quiet. Here during my second Easter in the Kootenays it is not so. These weeks following Easter seem to be propelling life forward so so swiftly. Spring seems to be unfurling with great abandon, and I find myself swept along in rivers of energy, conversation, and great joy these days.
In visits and interactions with new parishioners, I feel lightness, wonder and radiance as individuals share their journeys of life, and their observations in this community.
Things which are so familiar to me as to be forgotten or unimportant are being highlighted; new eyes on ancient practice are transforming the faith community.
I am humbled as well, for as I interact with the wider community beyond church, I find great love, great compassion and great care. My dialogue and presence in the community beyond the church reveals Jesus to me in many ways. Last week while having my weekly visit to Nelson’s Temporary Drop in Shelter, I witnessed beautiful Birthday celebrations for unhoused folk. I have rarely seen such expressions of love, joy and belonging. It brought me to tears.
This week I attended the West Kootenay Homelessness Summit, and participated with Non-Profit Agencies, Government, Front Line workers, and persons with lived experience of homelessness. I felt included, engaged, and inspired to engage deeper in the community.
It seems everywhere I turn I witness newness.
New life
New healing
New perspectives
New energy
This Easter for me is a time of searching and finding Jesus in the wider world. For me it is a time to shift my lens, experience the movement of the Spirit, and be thankful for the joyous momentum I experience in the community.
Sometimes I feel that much of the momentum of the church is caught up in binding the presence of Jesus up in our old structures, systems, liturgy and learning. At times I’ve felt like my momentum can be at odds with the community of faith. Here in this place, this moment, I find myself asking:
Where is Jesus?
How are we showing up with Jesus?
How is life reflecting this change?
I’m reminded that post-resurrection scripture points us to a command to the disciples to continually pray, serve, and participate in healing and care. We are called to exit places of comfort and safety, to encounter others, and through that encounter, be present to the Holy Spirit.
It is scary stuff no doubt. We can’t live in the tomb forever. We’ve got to fish on the other side of the boat. We have to venture beyond the locked upper room.
Yes, there’s fear and apprehension, but we must not be shackled by fear. When we venture further than our places of safety and comfort, we might just find Jesus. We might just witness the work of the Spirit moving, growing, being in the hearts and minds and hands of those whom we encounter.
