by the Rev. James A. Weathersby, M.Div., BCC.
The highlight of the church calendar is Easter; this day is reservedly Christian without apology. We pause during Holy Week to remember the Passion of Jesus Christ; his betrayal, trial, suffering and Death on the Cross. We mark Maundy Thursday with quiet reverence and washing one another’s feet. On Good Friday, we keep in mind that Jesus Christ died on the Cross reserved for all humanity. Easter Sunday, we celebrate with eggs, symbols of new life, and new clothing symbolizing a new inner life and we gather early in the darkness, marvel at the dawn of a renewed relationship between humanity and God. Easter Sunday is Resurrection Day; Jesus Christ rose from the dead! Upon this salient fact rests the entire Christian Faith and mission of Civilization. This belief continues to change history and people.
In the second half of the Holy Bible, we find recorded in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew these words in chapter 28, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you.” (Vs.5-7). The first Easter sermon was given to the women, who went in the darkness to anoint the body of their fallen leader. They returned from the grave with the Light that has illuminated humanity for the last several thousand years: Jesus Christ is alive!
Easter says there is hope for humanity. Easter proclaims there is power in prayer because Christ promised to hear our prayers and live in us, to teach us how to live among other people. Easter shouts a change is possible for anyone and every Nation. Easter says God is with us—we are not alone in the Universe. That is the good news to tell others, everywhere—for all time! Christ is Alive! Pax
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Original watercolor by Valerie A. Clemons.
