Chaplain's Corner
Larry Petry, Senior Chaplain
We will soon be celebrating the Easter season. For some, this is a celebration of spring, new life and delicious Cadbury Creme Eggs, but Easter also holds a much deeper significance for us.
Easter is the historic, tangible celebration of hope.
In his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ demonstrated the power and compassion of God’s work breaking into our world. Jesus had many followers who fully embraced his claims that he was the Son of God. At perhaps the height of his ministry, Jesus was betrayed by one of his followers, handed over to his enemies and suffered a public Roman execution- death on a cross.
His followers, his friends, his family and all people of general good will were shattered. Heartbroken. Disillusioned.
Three days later, Jesus fulfilled prophecies (including his own) by raising from the dead. Not only was this a startling revelation, but it was verified through the credible eyewitness testimony of many. Jesus is alive. As it’s often proclaimed in our churches- “He is risen, indeed!”
The crux of the matter is this: If Jesus Christ rose from the dead, there are no hopeless situations. No personal struggle, no corporate complexity, no bad day or terrible experience is beyond the power of God. Easter means that the ripple effects of hope work their way into the everyday fabric of our lives, even today.
Not giving up can be an expression of Easter hope. Learning, growing, and adapting to these ever-changing times can all now be done from a posture of hope.
Jesus rose from the dead. There are no more hopeless situations in our world. This is a powerful mystery we can learn to embrace and experience. May we truly celebrate this Easter by proclaiming hope with our every action in service of others throughout this season.
