I write on March 26th. Palm/Passion Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, is two days away. The leafy, green “Eco-palms” are lying on my office floor, flattening out from their shipping box. (The dry palm fronds are there, too, so those who wish may fashion crosses on Palm Sunday.) We have such a rich, full week ahead. I hope and pray that you will be among us for all or some of the events.
Easter Sunday promises to be especially moving this year. Four young children will be baptized, and 19 additional new members will join our church. Such signs of life and promise, celebrated on the day when we remember that Jesus rises out of the tomb to new life, fulfilling the promise of the ages.
What is the promise of Jesus? What will our new members be joining? What sort of community are the parents and sponsors of those we will baptize committing them to? On the last night of his life, Jesus told his disciples, in John 13, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Peace … Peace for you… Peace for all. Jesus’ gift, Jesus’ promise. Not an abstract, but certainly not a given, in the world in which we live. Jesus left us peace. How are we taking care of it, nurturing it, increasing it, today? I want to leave you with an Easter message from Archbishop Oscar Romero, who died 30 years ago, March 24, 1980.
Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is right and it is duty.
On Palm Sunday, as we remember those who laid down leaves and garments to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem… on Easter Sunday, as we remember Jesus rising to new life, and as we welcome new life into our community… let us remember that we are called to pass on this gift of peace, not just to those whom we greet at worship, but to the whole world… One person at a time.
Pastor Parsons
