THE RESURRECTION REVOLUTION Nothing in our world has even been as revolutionary as the Easter resurrection. Christ is risen...He is risen indeed. Death is overthrown by Life. Despair is overcome with hope. Doubt is overwhelmed by faith. Dread is overpowered with love.
Forget pastel Easter bonnets or plush mythical bunnies that entertain us and our friends for a day. The real story is as startling as a dead man walking who transforms us and our world for eternity. This is a revolution that can turn the way we live upside down and turn the most despairing soul around.
This resurrection revolution is not over. "Christ is alive and goes before us" as Brian Wren reminds us in his hymn, "This Is a Day of New Beginnings!" (UMH, 383) Not only is eternal life open for all who believe in the Risen Christ, but transformed earthly life is open for all who will follow the living Christ into the revolutionary Kingdom of God coming "on earth even as it is in heaven."
And the resurrection revolution can be a reality for our congregations if we open ourselves to it. In fact "The Resurrection Revolution" is the theme of the address I will make on behalf of our United Methodist Council of Bishops to the General Conference later this month in Tampa, Florida. New life is being offered by the living Christ to each of us, our church, and our world. Will we dare to follow Christ in this resurrection revolution? What about you? A blessed Easter to all!
WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS? The final days of Holy Week were so full of violence, but the revolutionary truth of the Risen Christ is that Love prevailed over violence. These days of Lent and Holy Week 2012 have been so full of violence. The Martin/Zimmerman case, a teacher murdered in Vermont, students killed at a Christian university in California, innocents sleeping in Afghanistan, Syria, cases of domestic violence and bullying. The reports go on and on. Can we, who have experienced the wondrous love of Christ, carry that love, live that love, be that love in our own communities and world (and even churches)? What would love for the victims look like? What would love toward those who are violent look like? What would a community shaped by love, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation look like? How does Jesus, in the violence of Holy Week, show what wondrous love looks like? Will we follow Him or the violent ways of this world?
ROBIN McDONOUGH HOEDOWN Robin McDonough was a homeless woman on the streets of Boston. She had a dream. She wanted to see all kinds of people come together and dance...have a hoedown in downtown Boston. Where better than in a church...on the Saturday of Palm Sunday when so many different people danced as Jesus rode into the city? The "Ecclesia Ministry", which serves the homeless at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral on Tremont St. across from Boston Common, decided to try it. Before it could happen, Robin died, but knowing her spirit was dancing now the Easter dance of new life in Christ, they announced on paper posters all over town the "Robin McDonough Memorial Hoedown at St. Paul's Cathedral". (Never doubt that God has a sense of humor.)
They couldn't find a square dance caller, but somehow through Dean Moore at BU School of Theology, they heard that I had called square dances for the clergy/spouse retreat where she was the speaker in January. (Just to set the record straight, I did not learn this skill at BU but as a youth leader at summer camps in the days when square dancing was the only kind of dancing allowed! I may have a new "calling" in retirement.) The organizers contacted my office to see if I might do it. Brenda, our new administrative assistant, said, "Ah...ah...this is strange...I think someone wants you to call square dancing." I assured her that we get lots of strange calls and that I would be delighted to do it.
It was a great experience. As Linda and I arrived, everyone was warmly greeting everyone (more so than in some of our churches). It was a gathering of a beautiful array of colors, races, ages, folks from the streets and those from churches in the city and suburbs who love being a part of this ministry. Nearly 100 in all and most joined in the dancing! Crazy, yes. Joyful, yes. Hosannas, yes. One of the regulars said he didn't think anyone would come, "but,” he added “we need each other...and God."
And I was reminded again about what is at the heart of ministry - gathering together with each other just as we are (I had on my jeans and plaid flannel shirt), showing love and caring, and knowing God is with us. Robin McDonough had the right dream. Open your heart...and your church to your community - anyone, everyone...and DANCE!
The next day, on Palm Sunday, Linda and I were at Hope UMC in Belchertown, Mass. which is full of life. For the last hymn, guess what we sang? "Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. And I'll lead you all wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he." (UMH, 261)
Dance with the Risen Christ now and always as we are partners in His ministry!
Grace and Peace,
Pete
