A couple of weeks ago on Pentecost Sunday, the church I attend celebrated by taking in as members seven young persons who had just completed their confirmation studies.
In most of the mainline Protestant denominations, youth go through a months long process of study, discussion, and experiences aimed to prepare them to join the church. In theory, the vows that were made at their baptisms they now make for themselves.
At the worship service a couple of weeks ago each of the confirmands had been asked to write a belief statement and portions of those efforts were compiled to make a 2013 Confirmation Class Statement of Belief which was proclaimed by the entire congregation. Very cool.
There was one particular line that caught my attention --- “I still celebrate Easter.”
“I still celebrate Easter.” --- I love that line. In those four words are deep hope, resilient faith, the foundational why of the beliefs we proclaim.
The line reminds me of the farmer, poet and essayist Wendell Berry’s call to us to “practice resurrection.”
I know I need the practice. For me my practice regimen needs to include rising early and greeting the dawn --- stop hitting the snooze button; looking for the beauty in a moment --- pay closer attention, slow down and listen; doing that which is my passion and puts the wind in my sails --- commit myself to this wholly.
I, too, still celebrate Easter....practicing resurrection is part of the celebration.
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