An Easter Reflection
We all know that there are major milestones in our lives. Those events are so profound that they help us identify who we are and how we arrived at the place we are right now. These milestones include being born, our first words, learning to walk, the first day of school, our first friend, first kiss and falling in love, just to name a few. As a parent of two who are about to graduate from high school, I see how those milestones play an especially significant role in our development of life. Whether the days and years seem to drag or race past, these are always key markers along the way.
As I am writing this, I want to share with you three days that have changed my life and yours as well. We are amid Holy Week as we prepare for Easter. So much happens in this week of preparation and prayer as Christians throughout the world celebrate the life, death and resurrection that is the core of what we believe. Here are some thoughts on why these three days have profoundly changed my life.
Holy Thursday is a day that we remember Jesus gathering in the upper room with his apostles in preparation for Passover. We might refer to this as the Last Supper, but to really understand what our faith is we need to take a closer look into the events that happened at this meal. It all starts with the gathering and how are welcomed. Jesus knew very well that amid those at the table was about to betray him and another who is going to deny him three times. Yet even knowing this ALL ARE WELCOME. Jesus shows something very profound at the beginning of that meal. He rises and washes the feet of those gathered with him. Do you understand how profoundly that simple act of service changed our lives? The Lord shows us that all are welcome no matter where we are on the journey of our faith. That He is willing to not only invite us, but to make sure that we know that we are valued and loved at His table. He shares at the end that this is a MILESTONE that we are also called to value in our life. We as Christians are called to follow the example of Christ and model this servant attitude in our walk of faith.
On Good Friday we watch and remember how Jesus was willing to accept a cross and suffer so you and I can live. Over the years of listening and praying this miracle of God’s love, I have come to really want to mirror the love of Simon of Cyrene. The man pressed into service to help Jesus carry His cross. Would I have the faith and passion to show love for someone by willing to help pick up a cross so they too can live? Jesus was willing to suffer and die so that we may live, and again this major milestone has changed our lives forever. I know as I look at the cross, I am always reminded of the great sacrifice of love that we received and am challenged to make sure that I follow that example of great love of Jesus in our world.
That brings us the greatest milestone ever, EASTER. How early in the morning on that first day of the week, Mary came to the tomb and discovered that the stone was rolled away. Peter and John ran to the tomb and saw and believed that Jesus did rise from the dead. This is the very core of our belief. This saving event has given all of us hope and promise of eternal and everlasting life. Every Easter Story that we hear talks about this magnificent event and how we need to always remember these great three days.
I pray this Easter we take time to look at the great milestones in our lives and the blessings we have received from God. I hope and pray that one of the greatest milestones we can all share is the day we said yes to the Lord and claimed him as our Savior and King.
May all of you have a very blessed Easter Season and let us keep our faith alive by proclaiming his love to all.