April 14, 2024 - Third Sunday of Easter - The Road to Crucifixion and Jesus' First Appearance in the Passover Supper Room

Our recent Sunday worship Gospel readings reveal that the road Jesus takes to Jerusalem together with his invitation to table fellowship connect not only with each other but can connect with us. The Bible connects them with the detailed descriptions of sharing Jesus' entry into the city, the last Passover meal, in Jesus' encounter with disciples on their way to Emmaus, in his appearance to the disciples after the resurrection and on the Sea of Galilee.

How did all these connect then and how do they connect us now? 

There is a terrible weight involved in following Jesus' destination to Jerusalem and the destiny he fulfills in going there as we remember Holy Week. The disciples also came to understand this when he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

And what should we expect when we believe God loves us and promises to stand with us? Since many stories, particularly of Jesus appearances, involve the sharing of food surely there is a promise of being nourished and sustained by God as our destiny is fulfilled.  We shouldn't necessarily expect to be relieved of any 'terrible weight' regarding the 'road' we travel. Following rarely leads to any expected entitlement but hopefully to service.

Sunday Worship Service Setting - African American Liturgy

Together with Matt and Luka Tini and I sang the African American liturgy. There is almost always an infectious energy that takes hold of the congregation when they are singing this liturgy and today was no exception.

People were going out of their way to greet others today. The connecting I was contemplating this week was made real this morning. Pastor Emillie gave a great Children's Sermon which Logan really seemed to appreciate where she talked about all the efforts man has made to reach the heavens and illustrated it with a single sheet of paper. She started off by folding it into triangular shape representing and building. She then folded it to be an airplane. Then she tore it into the shape of a rocket, none of which could reach God or heaven. Then, finally, she made the last tears that turned it into the shape of a cross which she gave to Logan.

Immense joy and feeling of community was evident today.