Easter, 2013, began with breakfast at College Mennonite Church. I was greeted with “Happy Easter” by the young woman who accepted the small dish of finger food I contributed to the meal.
Soon another person greeted me, “He is risen!” Before thinking I asked, “Have you met him?” No answer.
In a few minutes my query was answered by a positive, “Yes, I’ve met him! I’ve met you.” And I shot back, “I’ve met him, too, for I’ve met you.”
During the service the congregation affirmed, “Jesus died.” No one disputes the death of Jesus. death is the common fate.
The congregation also affirmed, “Jesus rose again.” Many dispute that, for a resurrection from the dead is not natural. Others accept the claim, believing that this one man did indeed rise from the dead. Some understand the resurrection by seeing Jesus in the people they meet.
The congregation made a third affirmation, “Jesus is coming again.” Many deny or doubt his second coming because that too is not natural. Others believe that Jesus will literally come in the clouds with power and great glory. Some expect the second coming of Jesus to be accomplished through the activities of his followers.
The first generation of believers at Antioch were called Christians which I was told meant “little Christs.” What if all the little Christs of the world put their gifts and energies together and took on the demons of war, hunger, bigotry, capitalism, and said to the world “get used to it.” That would be a different kind of war.
On Sunday afternoon I took a walk on the trail owned by Waterford Mennonite Church. My camera caught the colors included on ths blog.