In the Church Year Calendar, the Easter Season comprises 50 days of rejoicing. For Christians, every day of our lives celebrates Easter because Jesus is alive and with us always as he promises to be (Matthew 28:20).
This truth is expressed in a blessing I often use, and our choir sometimes sings: “As you go on your way may Christ go with you. May he go before you to show you the way; behind you to encourage you; above you to watch over you; beneath you to support you and to pick you up should you stumble or fall (Note: This idea was given to me by one of our youth after a Sunday service when I used this benediction); and within you to give you peace.”
On Sunday, April 6th, the Gospel reading is from Luke 24:13-35. In this wonderful story of Jesus’ appearance to two of his disciples on that first Easter Day as they were walking to the city of Emmaus, we receive an answer to the question of how Jesus is recognized among us as his present-day disciples. As Jesus walked with them, he explained the Scriptures to them. Later he joined them for a meal.
Each Sunday, as the Scriptures are proclaimed and taught, and as the bread is broken and the wine poured, Jesus Christ appears to us! This story of the risen Lord’s appearance on that Road to Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s Day!
Don’t miss another “Easter experience” this Sunday, or every Sunday, as Jesus meets His people in their lives that are often filled with sadness, loss, disappointment, darkness, and despair. In these very real life experiences, Jesus wants to “warm our hearts” (Luke 24:32) with joy, peace, hope, faith, strength and love!
—Pastor David Fetter
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