An Easter Letter to the Diocese of West Texas
Dear Family of the Diocese of West Texas,
As we drive around our diocese, we are beginning to see bluebonnets and clumps of red-orange paintbrushes mixed with the yellow-fringed firewheel of Indian blankets along the highways and byways of West Texas. Canyon wrens are frantically building nests and hummingbirds have returned from their winter migrations to eagerly feed on nectar. The frigid cold of winter is past. Spring is all around us. We are surrounded by new life as the creation is renewed.
In just a few days Christians will gather again in churches of all sizes, shapes and traditions to kindle a new fire, light our Paschal candles and shout, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!” We will sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today!” or “De Colores!” or “Welcome, Happy Morning!” Joy will be in the air, on our lips, and in our hearts.
This joy does not mean that all is right in the world. We live in challenging times. As we write this, war continues across the Middle East, troops are in harm’s way and civilians have been displaced and killed. In parts of South Texas, drought and water shortages are a growing reality. Political messages seek to divide us. And in some communities of our diocese there is genuine fear of detention and family separation.
When we gather to celebrate Easter, we are choosing to invest our faith in hope over despair, life over death, and grace over sin. As we read how the faithful women and disciples found the tomb empty and encountered Jesus very much alive, we are celebrating the memorial of our own redemption. Because Jesus died and rose again, all who believe in Him shall also be raised to eternal life with Him. No one, and no thing, and no circumstance is beyond the power of Christ to redeem, and forgive, and make new. No one and nothing.
This Easter weekend, and throughout the 50 days of Easter Season, we invite you to once again choose hope. Gather with your family, friends and faith family to celebrate that our God reigns, that in Christ you are a new creation, and that sin and death do not have the final word. As the outward and visible signs of spring surround us, let our Risen Lord blossom, and nest, and spread hope in your heart, and in your soul, and in your life. And share that hope as you let your Christian love be genuine and authentic. The world needs hope, and it can truly be found in our Risen Lord.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
Easter blessings,
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