Daily Meditation: April 13, 2021

by Kathy Eastman on April 13, 2021

Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

Sing to the Lord and bless his Name;
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

-Psalm 96

Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

-John 2:8

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

-John 17:17-19

Easter Sunday 2021 was celebrated differently this year but celebrated none the less. We were in Highlands, NC and we were joined by three generations of one of my sister’s family. Each year we would normally gather that weekend and begin the day with church in town. Of course, last year that did not happen. This year we gathered but because the small, limited services at church were filled we chose to celebrate in nature. We hiked on that glorious, clear-skied day and stopped to do the readings for Easter. We couldn’t wait to once again close with “Alleluia.” The Lord is risen indeed!

Reflecting on Easter and its life changing message I was blessed to read reflections from others, near and far. I wish to share some of their words.

“Easter breaks open our hearts and allows us to inhabit a world where mercy and grace define the way we understand ourselves, others, and everything around us.”

Rev. Bentley Manning
Rector, Church of the Incarnation, Highlands

“Oh, my friends. It is Easter Day. Even in the shadows, resurrection is beginning. In the emptiness, in the echoing hollow of our heart, may we hear our name called with a love that breaks into our bewilderment and fear. May we know and see anew the Christ who comes to us in the darkness and in the day, beckoning us to begin again.” 

Jan L. Richardson, Ordained Methodist minister

Jan also offered a blessing for Easter Day ”…You had not imagined that something so empty could fill you to overflowing…You have seen, and so you are already blessed. You have seen, and so you are the blessing. There is no other word you need. There is simply to go and tell. There is simply to begin.”

-Kathy B. Eastman, Reflection

Musical Meditation - All things Bright and Beautiful - John Rutter

Easter blesses each of us. May we always hear its message of hope and love. May we live out that message each day as we treat others with kindness and respect. May we see the face of God in all whom we meet. May we live our “Alleluia.” Amen.