Dear Friends in Christ,

So much of the gift of Easter is couched in terms like “rebirth” or “entrance into new life.” Today in Mary’s encounter at the tomb we see one way this happens, to her and to us.

Mary goes in grief and deep sorrow to mourn her loss. But angels greet her, and Jesus calls her by name. Those things cause her to return in joy to the disciples, gathered in grief.

We also encounter grief and loss. But in those times when we are most vulnerable, there are those who help us…angels who hold our hands, grieve with us and walk with us through the hard times, encouraging us to recover.

And are there not also times when we hear the voice of Jesus, spoken through an encounter, a close friend, a word we read, calling us to turn and see the hope and the promise of God’s hand at work?

I remember my theology professor in Seminary told of how his son had died in his arms of a self-inflicted gunshot. In deepest grief, he says he reached the bottom of despair, and found there the presence of God, bringing him hope and new life.

Hope is the expectation of things unseen and yet to come, and is an anchor for our souls. The presence of God surrounds us on every side. With the whole family of God, we share that Christian hope which sustains “new life” and “rebirth” as we travel the King’s Highway.

Faithfully,

—Chotard