Justin Appel

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today’s collect asks God to give us eyes of faith, to see Christ and to recognize him for who he is, and for what he has done: for his death, his resurrection, and for his work of redemption for us and for the world. Jesus revealed himself to the disciples, as we heard in the Gospel lesson last Sunday, in the breaking of bread. He also revealed himself to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection. The work Passion & Resurrection, a cantata very much in my mind, as I’m preparing it for a concert next weekend, depicts this meeting in its final moments.

This is such a moving scene, and Ēriks Ešenvalds has captured it with such sensitivity and imagination, that want to share it with you here.

May we, like Mary Magdalene, recognize Jesus, the true Son of God, when we meet him!

Passion and Resurrection, Part IV

Yours in Christ,
Justin