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Mysteries of Faith


It is wonderful to be back among you again. This first experience of sabbatical time was like a breath of fresh air. As much as I appreciate the joys and challenges of congregational life, it is good to take a step back occasionally to rest, renew, and recharge. The last three months have been a time to renew significant family relationships, and to read and learn and reflect on what we do and why we do it. For me, the family ties are important because they keep me grounded and because, well, they are a supportive bunch.

The reading and reflecting opens up the possibilities of what we can do and be together. I have returned energized, grateful, and ready to go.

This first week after Easter opens the space for us to consider the mysteries of our faith. This is the most important season of our church year, and yet it contains the most difficult mystery for us to get our heads around. Some mysteries reside in our heads and we enjoy the challenge of collecting proof and solving the puzzle. Other mysteries reside in our hearts as a felt experience, and we just know them to be true. Easter is a faith mystery of the heart. The mystery that changes everything.

After Jesus died, the disciples gathered in the upper room again behind closed doors for fear of what may happen if they were recognized as followers of Jesus. In a mystery we can only imagine, Jesus stood among them and offered them peace. Isn’t it wonderful to know that God’s grace and love is stronger than anything the world can throw at it. The Easter mystery opens the locked door of our fear and offers us a threshold to new life and hope through faith.

Peace and joy
this Easter season,
Nancy