Easter People

On that final night, his meal was formal:

lamb with bitter leaves of endive, chervil,

bread with olive oil and jars of wine.

Now on Tiberias’ shores he grills

a carp and catfish breakfast on a charcoal fire.

This is not hunger, this is resurrection:

he eats because he can, and wants to

taste the scales, the moist flakes of the sea,

to rub the salt into his wounds.

by Michael Simmons Roberts, Corpus

In this season of Resurrection (capital R), we are called to remember that we are Easter people. We are people of Resurrection, and we celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday to remember that Truth. In fact, I stand during the Eucharist as a sure and present sign of that Resurrection (even though most of the congregation kneels!). I have to, longing to be reminded each week of my resurrection, so I can go out into the world loving and serving God with gladness and singleness of heart!

To that end and after reading the stunning poem/prayer above, it occured to me that gathering regularly to break bread in small groups like the disciples on the beach might be a beautiful way of practicing resurrection. I am a small group junkie, and I believe that small groups are the lifeblood of the church. So I have invited a special group to gather on a regular basis and am proposing that any of you reading this might do the same. Monthly/quarterly reminders of the power of breaking bread with fellow Christians outside of the church might deepen the spiritual bonds of our time together within the church.

PS. Don't shoot me; I'm just the messenger. This message brought to you from the Holy Spirit!