The sun is setting. We are weary. Our hopes are dashed. We had felt strong, empowered, full of the possibilities that the future would bring. Then suddenly, it was all gone. We were surprised at how quickly things had fallen apart. Could it be that we had been wrong all along? That we had misplaced our faith? The powers of fear and hatred had done their worst, and we could not stop them. In fact, we had been a part of it, and now we are living with the trauma of violence and harm that has been done. As we walk along—away from all that has wounded us—we are joined by a stranger. We do not know them, and it seems that they do not know us and all that has happened to us. Is that possible? Surely they must know our story. They begin to tell a different story, one, though, that somehow resonates with our own. With each step we take together, we begin to feel something changing within us. It does not take away the trauma but it begins to open a new vision of how we can live and love again. The journey seems to reach its end but we decide to share a meal together with this stranger and invite them in. As we sit around a table and share food and drink, our guest becomes the host and we are filled with joy and hope.
CHRIST IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
MAY YOU EXPERIENCE THE JOY AND THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION THIS EASTER SEASON.
—The Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Faris,
Moderator of the 2022 General Assembly