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Rector's
Messages
Easter
2003
"Christ
our Passover has been sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast”--1
Corinthians 5:7-8
“Jesus
said to Peter, ‘Feed my Sheep.’ ’’ -John 21:17
Have
you ever known a convert? Chances are you have. In fact, chances are each
of us have been converted to something at one time or another. Life has a
way of sifting us. With the support and encouragement of those who care
about us, such sifting can lead to a new lease on life. Conversion may
appear as a sudden and radical change. It can also mean slowly coming to
recognize an influence that has been part of our pilgrimage for a long
time. There is the blinding vision of St. Paul. There is the slow almost
remedial progress of St. Peter. What each has in common is the emergence
of a commitment that has been nurtured by love and grace. Commitments by
their very nature draw us out of self and toward the other. Peter’s
increasing care for the other disciples allows him to be drawn away from
his own fears. Paul’s sudden realization. that he has placed himself as
a barrier between God and others, frees him to break down the barriers to
true community.
Easter is a feast of life in which our faith is nourished by The Lord of
life. Our response is to be constantly open to a conversion towards all
that is life giving. In our baptism we celebrate both the new life that is
ours, and our commitment to life giving discipleship.
The last two questions in the baptismal covenant challenge us to think
about the nature of such a conversion and commitment.
Will
You seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as
yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the
dignity of every human being?
Love,
service, justice, peace, respect, dignity, are the values of those who
have been converted to an Easter faith. These values stand in stark
contrast to the moral and spiritual famine of our world. It is in seeking,
serving, and striving, in accordance with such values, that we witness to
the message of resurrection. This Easter may we be renewed in our faith,
continue in a Christ like life, and affirm the gift of life in others.
Archdeacon
Rod Gillis
Easter, 2003
Almighty
and everlasting God, in the paschal mystery you established the new
covenant of reconciliation. Grant that all who are born again in baptism
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith. Grant this
is the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. |
