Death Is Entwined With Life

 

This weekend was Bishop Wilbur Choy’s funeral. Like so many episcopal elections in the Western Jurisdiction, his was historic as the first Asian American elected a bishop in the UMC. 

 

This has been a season of death. From COVID’s claws to nature’s fury to war’s destruction, the cloak of death weighs heavy. Lent, too, is a season where the specter of death is uncomfortably close. It begins with the imposition of ashes, marking and reminding us of our mortality. It ends in the darkness of a tomb. 

 

We can’t escape death. We are marching towards it our entire life. 

 

And while the final death blow is ever before us, throughout our life we experience little deaths. Relationships change. Our bodies change. The world we once knew is no more.

 

Death is entwined with life. 

 

Some deaths are needed and welcomed: killing off tumors, germs and viruses or habits and relationships we finally realize are hastening our demise. Others are unwelcomed, unexpected, and feel unwarranted. Yet, these, too, hold surprises for us.

 

Helen Keller once said: “Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see.”

 

We who follow a crucified yet resurrected Christ know that death is not final. There awaits, on the other side of every death, new and fuller life. Of this, the apostle Paul writes, almost mockingly: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15: 55)

 

What are the things within you that are preventing you from the promise of new life? What can you, must you let go of to receive the blessing of resurrection?

Dare to Live a Resurrection Faith

Tomorrow is the Sunday after Easter. Last week we celebrated the resurrection of Christ. The scriptures throughout this week told of how a scattered group of disciples were reunited as they encountered the risen Christ. Doubt and fear was replaced with hope and a boldness to reclaim the life he offered them. Because God broke the chains of death by raising Jesus from the dead, a shattered community found wholeness once again.

These early Jesus followers began to reorganize their life together. Acts tell us that “the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.  They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4: 32-35)

When we encounter the power of new life in Christ, nothing can stay the same. We are connected with other members of the body of Christ (some whose names we may never know) in deep and profound ways. This connection changes how we live our lives. We see how everything we do, every choice we make, impacts other members of Christ’s body. We live knowing our wellbeing is tied to their wellbeing.

Last week, we sang our “alleluias” as we retold the story: “Up from the grave he AROSE!” This week, will you be like those first disciples and allow the reality of this truth to sink in. What will be different for you because Christ is no longer in the tomb? Will you share the story with others? Will you allow a great grace to rest within your heart? How will you extend that grace to others? How will you share what you have with those who have little, so that there will be “not a needy person” among us?

The resurrection of Christ dares us to live in new ways. Are you willing?