the light of easter
 
Every year at about this time, in gatherings all around the world, the story of those culminating hours in the life of Jesus Christ is told and retold. A rather incredible claim is made: that in the telling of the story faith is kindled, and the distance separating us from the time of Christ disappears. The span of two thousand years is bridged, and we come face to face with the One
in whom the fullness of God is seen to dwell, "Cristo Anesti", the risen Christ.

Do we live in the realization of this truth?

The image of the risen Christ reaches out to us across the years, and conveys the good news of God's eternal love. Even in the hearing of the story, thousands of years later, the eternal love of God breaks through our deaf shroud of secularism. This is the miracle of resurrection. This is the element of grace which is present in this Holy season. God reaching out to touch and transform each of us, so that with all our flaws and fears and failures, we too may be transformed and transfigured into the loving people we are meant to be. This is the eternal truth to which we are connected during this holy season, or in fact, at any time when we sense the presence of God in our lives.

Let us put aside the pressure of the passing hours, set aside the conflict of opinions. Make your appeal to the Eternal and take up your position there.

Thanks be to God Amen.

- Charles Henderson and Lee Cantelon


Postscript: I received the following poem from Abiodun Oyewole this week, perfect for Easter reading.

"Ascension" by Abiodun Oyewole

I will ride the crest of the wave
And I will fly above the clouds.
I will live not as a slave
And I will sing my praises loud!

Each day I try to understand
The changes I go through.
Each day I'm reaching out my hand
To help someone find the truth.

We all need understanding
We all need someone to care.
Life is so reprimanding
Even when someone is there.

I will walk in the sunlight
And shine wherever I go.
I will strive with all of my might
To help myself to grow.

- Abiodun Oyewole, Harlem, NY, c. 2008


About the photograph at the top of the page: I took this picture during a recent trip to the desert north of Los Angeles. Why are sunrises and sunsets so glorious? I believe it is because they are a consistent reminder that God has our best interests in his plan at the dawn of each new day, and equally, that this master plan will be seen faithfully to its intended conclusion, much more wonderful than we are able to grasp in our finite minds.

Click here if you would like to view a larger image of this easter-inspired photograph.

- Lee Cantelon