Tuesday, April 7, 2020

APRIL 2020 Pastor's Article

APRIL’S SHOWERS

An old song has the words, “Though April showers may come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May.” Right now may seem like that song. The showers can be seen as a metaphor for the gloom and despair you may experience under this time of crisis in our country – a period of quarantine because of the Covid 19 concerns.

As Christians, it is also a period of gloom as during this this time of looking toward Easter we cannot experience the true meaning of the Lenten season for lack of opportunity to worship together with others. Oh, wait! Maybe there’s another side to this. Many Christians have practiced giving up something during Lent to remember what our Lord gave up for us – HIS SINLESS life for OUR SINFULNESS. Perhaps our hardships can cause us to meditate on His Passion.

Like the song quoted above, the season of Lent points to the joy we as Christians can realize as we celebrate also this month, the Feast of the Resurrection – Easter. Although we may not be able to be physically present at church to be reminded by the hymns, Easter lilies, prayers and the proclamation of the Word and Sacrament, we can still know the truth – Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed. I hope you are able to go online and/or TV or radio to hear again the message of Salvation for you and all who trust His promise of the Resurrection.

Take time to open your Bible, read and meditate on the words of Matthew 28:1-10. Continue reading to the end of the chapter and find the peace and JOY even during this period of distress – especially the final words of Matthew: “AND SURELY I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.”

An additional thought: Take this time to pray for all those who are serving in various ways during this crisis. You may also want to remember any who are sick or suffering in other ways in our congregation – for healing and strength, In particular, remember Roberta Meyer, recovering from a recent fall and for Marsha Benish, who mourns the loss of her husband, our member, Pat Benish, who was called to be with our Savior this past week.

Your loving pastor,
Rev. James W. Rhiver

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