Go,
therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Christ is risen! We gather on Easter, crowding into churches, coming
together as seekers and believers, to hear the joyous news and to sing alleluias to our
Savior.
He is risen indeed! And we are Easter people celebrating – one in
hope, one in Christ.
Eleven disciples worshipped Jesus when he gave his Great Commission:
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them …teaching
them." Some had questions and doubts; yet those first Easter people followed through.
Walks in a nearby park take me through patches of milkweeds with pods
that bulge full in autumn. White fluffs burst forth, blown, carrying seeds to many places.
We Easter people burst forth from our sanctuaries, dispersed by the spirit of Christ, to
carry the Gospel to all people and places so that they may receive the good news of new
life in Christ – growing in hope, faith, and discipleship.
The community of Christ began with a handful of disciples around Jesus.
Those Easter people shared the good news of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ with
those around them. Through the ages people have experienced the life-transforming Word of
the Resurrection in every walk of life, every place on earth. People beyond number share
in the community of Christ, the communion of saints – believers, sinners, forgiven,
baptized, worshipping, learning, teaching, serving, growing as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Now we are the Easter people. We are gathered, brought to life, and
sent – blessed to be blessings to others that they may become the new community in
Christ. Jesus promises to make it happen: "And remember, I am with you always, to the
end of the age."
O Glorious God, we thank you for the wonder of this Easter Day. As we celebrate
the resurrection of Jesus Christ, fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may go forth
proclaiming new life in Christ in all we say and do every day, to your glory. Amen
Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
