Bishop Jones Writes ...
On Easter Day, Christians throughout the world celebrated the best news this world has ever known
- that death is not the end
- that God’s power is greater than the power of evil
- that destructive forces we encounter on a daily basis are not the final word.
Our celebration continues throughout the Great 50 Days of Easter. We proclaim the resurrection of Jesus from the dead – God’s victory over the powers of sin and death.
We see in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the most complete expression of love this world has ever known. Jesus gave his life on a cross for you and for me. On Good Friday, Jesus’ death seemed like the end. For those walking away that day, their lives must have felt empty – worthless – wasted. But the joy they experienced on the Day of Resurrection was beyond the telling. Mary’s realization of the Empty Tomb changed everything. Every story, every experience, every word spoken by Jesus took on a new meaning.
Our Easter celebration, therefore, is directly connected to the rest of our lives. It is the foundation upon which the rest of life flows. Jesus’ teachings matter. His example is the basis for our lives of service.
Through the resurrection of Jesus, we know that our salvation is secure. We know for sure that we are loved by God – saved by God – made right by God through the mediation and actions of Jesus Christ.
We are indeed an Easter people - with joy bursting from within, we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection from the dead.
Why? Because we know the possibility of forgiveness.
Why? Because we know the possibility of healing and reconciliation.
Death is not the end. Failure is not the end. Disappointment is not the end.
We know the possibility of new life. We are an Easter people.
So with great joy, I wish you a blessed Easter.
Faithfully,
+ David
David Colin Jones
Bishop in Residence
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