My friend reminded me that there is no Resurrection without the Crucifiction. It is easy to jump over Good Friday, The Passion of the Lord and want to go straight to Easter...but I can never forget the act of sacrifice that starts this blessed day.
Saturday night we attended the Easter Vigil mass which starts in darkness. With each reading the light increases until we have total light from total darkness. The symbolism is clear. Christ is the light.
I love this mass. It is the pinnacle of all that I believe. The new members are welcomed and confirmed as I was some 20 years ago. I was explaining to my young cousin on Thursday that I had wanted to be Baptist 20 years ago. I did the research. That was my plan. You know what they say. If you want to make God laugh just make a plan.
I was going to the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation) for information purposes only. I told them I wasn't joining. I went because my daughter was going to be raised in this faith because it was the faith of her father. About half way we had a retreat night, a night of discernment: were we continuing? or had we obtained all the "information" we needed?
That was the first time I ever felt the voice of God. I say "felt" because it was not an audible voice. But the words "What are you afraid of? I am here" were distinct in my thoughts and I hadn't thought them on my own. And I knew immediately I was supposed to be here. And I have never regretted that decision. God has used my checkered faith journey from Eastern Orthodox to Protestant to Roman Catholic for the greatest good in my life. Along the way I have learned about Him in ways I never imagined. Often through the sacrifice of other believers who have given of themselves and touched my life. It has truly been a great adventure and blessing in my life. It was here that I met heroic people, here that I am touched with kindness, here that I am challenged to go deeper and learn from every moment.
It is truly a Happy Easter!! Wishing you many blessings on this blessed day and on your journey!!
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
~Romans 6:5
3 --WORDS FROM YOU:
Blessed Easter to you, MY FRIEND.
That is a great post! It reminds me that he is with all of us who seek him regardless of our location (Southern Baptist Church, Franklin, TN)! :) Amy
Blessings to you at Easter! What a wonderful story of how you came into the church.. how wonderful that is!!
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