Dear Friends in Christ,
The mystery of the Resurrection defies the reality that we know and experience. None of us had the benefit of seeing the empty tomb for ourselves; we did not have any convincing physical evidence to help us believe. Yet, in the midst of the paradoxical nature of life, testimony abounds about the reality of resurrection.
This Easter Sunday we continue to benefit from the testimony of others to help us believe. Depending on which Gospel lesson is read, the story from either John or Luke, we become privy to the testimony of Mary Magdalene alone or of Mary’s and several other women’s. Their witness continues to transcend the ages. In addition, we have the testimony of history, which shows us how the power of resurrection is not just for the future but is an active phenomenon that happens again and again in the midst of horrendous devastation. Most notably, we have the testimony of the Holy Spirit who helps us to have faith in spite of our perplexity.
Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is a matter of faith and does not depend on scientific proof. We can only believe by faith, and fervent faith in the victory of Jesus over death gives us the power to live our lives with love and compassion, and the ability to hold on to a firm hope for the present and for the future.
ALLELUIA, CHRIST IS RISEN!
THE LORD IS RISEN, INDEED, ALLELUIA!
Bishop Ketlen
Easter 2025
-The three women on the tomb of Christ, painting by Irma Martin, Salon of 1843, Louvre Museum