Yes, Easter is more than one day; it’s an entire season and it’s called Eastertide. Maybe we should consider that our resurrection faith has qualities like that of a tide.
Tides mold and shape the shoreline and us. Eastertide smooths our rough places and our jagged edges while at other times pulling us and exposing new edges of learning. Sometimes it reveals and uncovers that which was previously hidden. It also reminds us that the castles we build and cherish do not last when compared to God’s transforming love.
Eastertide brings surprises, laying them before us as though they were dropped by an outgoing tide. Its offerings connect us with people in far off places like Afghanistan, El Salvador, Myanmar, as well as places like Maricopa County. Its gifts include living things such as faith, hope and charity.
Eastertide tells us of God’s power and grace, both ever in motion as the seas, both ever present where we are at high or low points in our lives. This season beckons us and seems to stretch towards us as the waters of a new broken wave reach out to walkers on the beach.
In gathering together during this season of Eastertide, we open ourselves to a God who changes us, surprises us, informs us, draws us. May our worship be Eastertidal, our community filled with Spirit. I look forward to being with you and for us to gather in God’s presence during Eastertide.
Shalom, Paul