By Ron Harmon, presiding bishop
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.
Easter Sunday
The author of 1 Corinthians 15:19–22 challenges us to see the expansive nature of hope in Christ. I can’t fully grasp the stirring of emotions as the first rays of morning light revealed an empty tomb. What did this mean? Did someone take the body? Jesus own foretelling of his resurrection somehow got lost in the suffering of a people under the crushing oppression of Roman imperial rule.
Everyone was trying to survive and not lose their ancestral land under the heavy burden of taxes. The people were being driven into deeper debt and hunger. They felt an increasing hopelessness and despair under Antipas, Herod’s son who had settled in Galilee. Surely God would deliver them by sending a Messiah to drive out their occupiers and restore their dominance once again.
Jesus had an alternative vision. Its foundation was selfless love revealing the potential for a new humanity where poverty is eliminated, and everyone has a place at the table of God’s abundance. Was this vision too good to be true or simply obscured by the events of the day? How does this ancient story breathe hope into our tired existence as we witness the violence of brutal dictatorships, wars, and human greed?
It has been my experience that hope emerges in simple acts of compassion and love, providing evidence that something miraculous occurred over 2000 years ago. It can’t be confined to the limits of human experience and language but is always healing, reconciling, and expanding our hearts to see the world anew. Hope cracks open our hardened pragmatism to risk imagining the unthinkable and doing what seems impossible.
The world waits in eager expectation for such a wild vision of hope to be generously shared and lived in our day. How is hope expanding your vision for a more just and peaceful world? How will you generously respond giving witness to resurrection’s ever-expanding light!
Prayer Phrase
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.