From the "30 Good Minutes" archives, Walter Wangerin asks: "In Whom Will Jesus Rise Around You?" What a marvelous Easter question! Look at the person next to you in the pew, or the person next to you at the red light, perhaps the person serving your food, or consider the person sacking your groceries, could it be the person holding a sign at the intersection? In whom will Jesus rise around me?
Today at our Easter service, it could have been the young child being baptized. So many people love this child, and wanted to witness the baptism, that there was not an empty pew in the sanctuary. The family immigrated from Cameroon, and there is a strong community support of fellow countrymen. They know about rising and facing the unknown. What a privilege it was to welcome the child into the Christian journey, promise our support of the raising of the child, and to worship as one.
My prayer for the congregation?
Glorious God, please let us be ready to say "YES!" when Jesus asks "Will you rise around me?" Let us be ready to recognize Jesus in the people we meet and may they see the evidence of the glory of the Risen Christ in our lives and in our congregation. Help us welcome immigrants from other nations, and immigrants to our faith. Help us support those who rise and follow you. Remind us that Easter shows us that all things are possible beyond our wildest imagination. Friday there was no hope. Today, we live filled with hope. When Jesus asks "Who will rise?" - Fill us with enthusiasm to ask "How high can we rise?"
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Amen.
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Sister Gray-
ReplyDeleteI thought I subscribed to this blog and expected it to tell me whenever you post. But it doesn't. Am I doing something wrong or not understanding the subscribe part? Soon enough I will be in the daily habit of checking your prayer so it may be moot. I really do look forward to your thoughts every day now!
Jane