|
Beloved in Christ,
In my homily for the three Chrism Masses held this
week across the diocese (a traditional Holy Week liturgy where the
holy oil, or chrism, used in baptism is consecrated and clergy renew
their ordination vows), I spoke about how, in an age marked by anger,
scorn, and division, joy is an act of revolution. The purpose of the
church is to cultivate an alternative economy that trades in joy and
love. While happiness, or feeling good, depends on our circumstances,
joy grows from keeping our eyes fixed on the promises of God, and
soaking ourselves daily in God’s goodness. You can read the whole
homily here.
We are an Easter people, who affirm that God’s loving
kindness is the most powerful force in the universe, and not even
death can stop love’s healing balm from flooding and renewing the
whole creation. The key of Easter is
rejoicing, and joy is contagious and irresistible. So
as we look upon the powers of evil and death squarely and soberly
once again this week, and remember how they
are swallowed up forever by loves unstoppable power, we are sent out
to spread healing, liberating, world-saving joy with every moment of
our living.
Grace and Peace,
The Right Reverend Craig Loya
Bishop X
Episcopal Church in Minnesota
|
