Tag Archives: Easter

Easter People in a Good Friday World

Once again, the Center for Action and Contemplation, helps us reconcile our aspirations with reality. Yes, we can persevere even though we are confronted with “with the forces of death, hopelessness, fear, discouragement, or lack of will.” Yes, we can continue to believe even though we are surrounded by non-believers.

Big inhale, slow exhale. Yes, we can.

Check out the provocative message below and go to CAC’s website for continued encouragement here: cac.org/daily-meditations/easter-people-in-a-good-friday-world/

Deputized by Love

Today, Dr. Rev. Jacqui Lewis‘ adapted Easter Message recounts Mary of Magdala. Dr. Lewis reminds us that each of us are also deputized to bring comfort to the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable by speaking truth to power: “You’ve got sermons to preach.”

Check it out below and/or go to the original post at cac.org/daily-meditations/called-by-name/

Called by Name 

In her homily at the 2019 CAC Universal Christ conference, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis reminds us that we are each called by the resurrected Christ who knows us by name:   

Christ is everywhere. Christ is in all things. We are all one. When you’re hungry, my stomach growls. When someone chops down a tree, I’m cut. When the oceans are being poisoned, I feel thirsty for something different. This is our calling, because we’ve been ordained, just like Mary, by the One who knows all about us. I’m inviting you to look in the mirror and see yourself. Recognize yourself as deputized by the Living God. Amen. 

Reference: 
Adapted from Jacqui Lewis, “Easter Liturgy: We Shall All Be Changed,” The Universal Christ Conference, Center for Action and Contemplation, March 31, 2019. Unavailable.  

Monday Morning After Easter

WHICH VERSION WILL WIN TODAY?

“Enough about the need for hard work. I’m tired of all these excuses. You say to receive the best requires my effort to the point of bruises.

I thought my winning smile was sufficient, maybe with a twirl and a curtsy. But no, you say there’s practice and drills to the point that everything hurts me.

Why must there be pain before elation? Why must there be so much work? All I want is joy that comes easy; no pushups just an easy twerk.

Why must there be blood, sweat, and tears? Is success some sadistic sewn reap? I’d rather it be fun, light, and breezy like a gleeful diving board leap.

You say I can play all I want but rewards go only to the brave who put in the time and the energy that releases the creation we crave.

So now, I must decide, once again, how do I want to proceed: with focus and clarity and drive OR more ignorance, hate, and greed?”

NATURAL BEAUTY AND OTHER POEMS, p.54

Plan A, Plan B, Plan C

“It’s said that life is what happens while making other plans yet some of us were born to plan and with training we learn to make more than one: we are taught to make backup plans.

Why so many plans when life surprises? Why be prepared for any contingency?

When there’s so little we can control, is it possible to remain calm amidst emergency?

Oh, help us be the peace to support others. Help us be a way station in each storm. May we reveal the wisdom that supports us. May we reflect the sun that keeps us warm.”

NATURAL BEAUTY AND OTHER POEMS, p.51