Easter as Encounter

Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.  Luke 24:15-16

Jesus came near...there was an encounter with the risen Christ.  In what ways can we encounter Jesus?  Easter, these fifty days, as us to be open to the ways Jesus is moving in our midst.  Often times encounters make us think of two people.  There is an incarnational (in the flesh) meaning to encounter.  Yet, we can also encounter nature, animals, and even ourselves.

Maybe this season of Easter you need to do some internal work.  Process pain.  Let go of a good grudge.  Explore joy.  Experience laughter and grace.  Be open.  Breathe.

Maybe this season of Easter you long to reach out to someone whose words hurt/harmed.  Or maybe to rekindle a relationship.  Or maybe find a new connection to someone.

Maybe this season of Easter the encounter is with God.  Every Sunday in worship we describe that holy moment as a sacred encounter.  It comes in many forms and fashions for the People of God.  For many it is music...which is to pray twice.  For others it is nestled close in the pew to other people.  For others it is coffee hour afterwards catching up.  And for even a few it is the sermon.

Jesus came near and there was an encounter with the holy.  That is true not only then and there on the road to Emmaus...it is true here and now in our lives.

So far, we have explored...went to edges of the maps we've drawn.
We have experienced...realizing we may not always be in the driver's seat.
We have prayed Easter...went out for a walk.

And now, we encounter.
I pray you might sense the stirring of the sacred in these days in such a way that the encounter of the not-so-empty tomb warms your hearts and swirls in your soul in these days.

Grace and peace ~~