Death is conquered and the Kingdom of God reigns - By Bishop G
"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you…" John 13:15-17Dear Friends,
According to John’s gospel, the last thing Jesus does with his disciples on the last night of his life is share a meal and wash their feet. John says it’s meant to show them that he loved them to the end, the end of his strength, to the end of his life, to the end of the world, to the end of time. In order to save us, Jesus becomes vulnerable, empties himself of power and humbles himself.
Doesn’t it seem like the disciples would know how fragile Jesus is? He’s told them that he’s leaving, that he must die. Shouldn’t they realize how dear He is? Shouldn’t they wash His feet? Peter tries, but as usual, he’s blundering. Jesus must wash him first. He has to set an example, before Peter can follow. He has to serve Peter, before Peter can serve others. Not the other way around.
Somebody said, “we come from the same source Jesus did. We come from God and we’re going to God. Our worth is a gift from our Savior. We don’t have to prove our worth to anyone. We don’t have to use others to convince ourselves that we’re good and meaningful.” God’s grace gives us our goodness and meaning, so we are free, free from the bondage of proving ourselves by making the most money, having the most stuff, being the most beautiful or smart or accomplished. We don’t have to work to convince people to value us because God finds us infinitely valuable, worth the life of his Son.
Lent is coming to an end and now we are coming down to Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, we’ll remember Jesus’ last night with His followers, Friday we will recall why this terrible death is called “Good”. Saturday evening at Easter Vigil, we’ll celebrate the coming of the light and the first service of Jesus’ resurrection. On Sunday we’ll offer our very best to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Death is conquered and the Kingdom of God reigns! Come and see.
Yes, that is a lot of Church! But it’s also a lot of fun! I invite you to enter into the mystery and magic of walking to the Cross and the Empty Tomb with your community of faith. Worship with one of our 87 parishes. I can promise you will be welcome.
Alleluia, alleluia, Christ is Risen. As always, I hope I see you at Church!
Blessings,
Bishop G