Spring brings out the best in us. We are very tired of the cold, snow, and unpredictable weather. Spring makes us smile as we witness the blooming of new life. I forgot that I planted peonies last fall; what a joy to see them grow tall with blooms ready to burst! God's creation is all around us, and we are called to stop, breathe, and marvel at the resurrection all around us. In these uncertain times, it is good to be in the company of worshipers on Sunday morning, to pray for and with each other, and to share our burdens and our joys.

Easter is not a day but a season, and as the lectionary takes us from the tomb back to Jesus's journey with his disciples, we are reminded of how he prepared them for his upcoming death and, in those readings, how we are reminded that the Trinity is in all things. I like the example of the tree for explaining the Trinity: the roots are the Father, the trunk is the Son, and the branches are the Spirit waving in the wind. The gospel readings from the lectionary go back and forth between Luke and John. I especially enjoy the reading for the Third Sunday of Easter: Luke 24:13-35, commonly known as the Walk to Emmaus. The act of hospitality reveals Jesus's identity, not the conversation along the road, but the breaking of the bread. Hospitality is essential in our congregations as we grow closer when we can share something around the table.

The readings from John, especially Chapter 14, reassure us that Jesus provides us comfort. John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." John 14:18, "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." God provides the advocate, the Holy Spirit, to remain with us always until Christ comes again.

As Christians, we must hold on to that hope...Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. (Emphasis mine). We are not to focus on the day or the hour, but on the hope. It does not matter if we know the exact day and time, but that our hearts and minds are ready for that event. During this Easter Season and the Season of Pentecost, as we count the Sundays to Advent, I invite you to stay in love with God…read your Bible, come to a study, ask questions about faith, look at and absorb all of the creation around us. Stay in love with God.

Pastor Jeanette Block