April Newsletter

Woody Allen once said “I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to bethere when it happens.” As people of Christian faith, are we afraid of death?

You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is not here, he has been raised.

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen

(Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:8 NRSV)

After the cross, after all is lost, something remarkable happens. Where the women expect to find death they find LIFE! We are a resurrection people. We are a people of life!

So where do we find life where we expect to find death? And are we really able to live as resurrection people, to trust that life conquers death, to live through the fear?

I am no longer afraid of death

I know too closely its cold dark corridors

I am no longer afraid of death

I know these caverns that lead to life

(refrain of I Am No Longer Afraid by Linnea Good,

based on an original poem by Julia Esquivel)

It seems to me that this is an Easter song. As an Easter people we need no longer be afraid of death. As an Easter people we know that death is part of the path that leads to life, that the tomb is a cavern that leads to life.

Death comes in many forms. All things come to an end. Some people will argue that every change (big or small) in life is in fact a bit of a death as the old gives way to the new. Are we able to see through the dark corridor of the end to a new beginning? Or are we afraid of the dark, the unknown, the transition.

If all change is in fact a death and resurrection process, then we live through it ALL THE TIME. Resurrection is around us all the time. So why are we so often afraid of death?

I am afraid of the fear within me,

and others fear that digs their grave.

Who cling to ways that whisper of healing,

but lead a life that cannot save.

(verse 2 of I Am No Longer Afraid by Linnea Good)

That is what I think gets in the way of living into resurrection. In our fear of death we cling to hope that death can be avoided. We hear words that whisper of healing, that suggest “if you just do this then all will be well”. But they don't work. They may delay the inevitable but change comes in some form or another.

On the other hand, if we can embrace the transition, maybe we can help shape it. If we live in faith and trust, if we can let go of the fear, we can find the spark of resurrection. For we are a resurrection people.

This Easter season I have a challenge for all of us. Let go of the fear. Live into the changes. Step boldly into the “cold dark corridors”. Explore the caverns that lead to life.

And let's all enjoy the ride!!!!

Blessed Easter!