Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Way

Pastor Tom Joyce

March 31, 2021

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord;’ and she told them that he had said these things to her.”   John 20:18

Seems like one of the best kept secrets is one that should never be kept secret, that on the third day Jesus conquered the grave and offered us and the world new life, basking in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ now and forever!  Mary had no idea that Jesus was alive, her mind was fixated on his grave and not the life he had promised. Faith in our Resurrected Lord and Savior frees us from the negativity that can creep up on all of us, the old dusty tomb mentality that shields our eyes from the life that God seeks for each of us. There is a time when we all need a second chance, a new opportunity and a new outlook on life and on those who sojourn with us through life.  The celebration of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus the Christ, celebrates breaking free from those things that have entombed us for so long; judgment, anger, uncertainty, loss, and all that stuff that keeps us from living life in the abundance of God’s grace.  As I look at creation, and the beloved people of God, I can’t help but proclaim as Thomas proclaimed as he saw Jesus, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:29) The love of God that was shared at the resurrection needs to be witnessed, needs to be proclaimed, and needs to be celebrated. Easter is all about new life and the freedom to live life knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed that he meant it when he said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) You, especially you, have been blessed by the blessing of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Celebrate the end of living “entombed” and accept the opportunity to live life in a new and joyous way. You are loved and have been called by name by the One who never leave you, never forget you, and has called you by name for no other reason than you are God’s beloved, honored, and eternally blessed.  Have an amazingly blessed Easter celebration!