My Own Little Easter Sermon

The song above is a song we are singing in Madrigal Choir.  We don't sing it quite this slow, but it's a pretty good reference.  This is probably our favorite song, just because it's so dark.  However, today when we performed it for AARP, I found a new meaning to it.  "Will not day come soon?  Christ is coming soon."  He is coming soon. This really hit me today when we sang it on the day he was betrayed.  The day I feel so much darkness.  Soon he will be rising from the dead.  This is what we talk about and hear about at Easter.  However, this isn't what is giving me hope this Easter. 


    It took a couple of steps for me to reach the hope and connection I feel today.  First, I saw Jesus Christ Superstar last March.  That is when the story of Jesus took whole new life for me. The songs made me feel a new sense of connection to Jesus, Judas, and the rest of the disciples.  It felt real and human, not just a story I am read.  


    The second step was Naomi's prayer class last retreat.  She told the story of Jesus dropping to his knees and saying "God, I do not want to do this.  Take this cup from me.  But not my will, but yours."  For the first time, Jesus and I had something in common.  I too once dropped to my knees and said, "God, I am scared and I do not want to follow this path that you have placed me on.  It is hard, and scary, and lonely."


     Today, at my church's Maundy Thursday service, a thought wacked me in the head.  Jesus did not have to do what he did for us.   He could have called ten thousand angels, as the song says.  He had the power.  Yet he knew what God's will was.  He knew what was right and what he must do.


    So, the hope I found to day was faith.  Faith that God knows what is best for me, no matter how hard.  And my path will never be lonely, just as Jesus's long walk was not.  God will always be with me.  Jesus will be with me as I follow my path.  God will make sure everything turns out alright in the end.  Jesus and I have that in common, and I know he will never lead me astray.  I must take that leap of faith, with Jesus holding my hand and God right behind me.

"And when we both have had enough

I will take him from my shoe, singing:

"Meet your new road!" 

Then I'll take your hand

Finally glad 

That you are here

By my side"

Not Just Another Face in The Crowd

Dear Papa,
  It's been more than three years since you went to heaven, and I'll admit, it's been rough.  When God decided he wanted you, I felt like we were just getting close.  I wasn't expecting you to go so soon.  I expected you to be at my prom, my wedding, everything.  However, it means the world to me that you came to my show tonight.  I always see your face in  the crowd.  It may have made me forget what I was singing, but it doesn't matter.  I miss you everyday, but I know that you are with me.  It gives me hope that you're always in the crowd.  I love you.


-Taylor