Dear brothers and sisters,
In the traditional Eastern Orthodox icon of Easter (called the Harrowing of Hell), Jesus is shown retrieving the souls of the faithful who lived and died before his life, death, and resurrection. The scene has been laid out differently by icon writers through the centuries, but one element is always the same. Jesus is grasping those he saves by the wrist or hand, but those being saved remain limp, seemingly unable to assist in their own salvation.
In this season of Easter, we the followers of Jesus come face to face with the power of God acting for us, and in us, and through us. As the body of Christ in the world, the Church proclaims God’s will that none should be lost. In kind words and gentle actions, we do our part to raise up those who feel lost and alone. And make no mistake, through the days and years of our lives, each of us is by turns the rescuer and the rescued.
As we greet Easter 2020 in an unfamiliar way this year, it seems all the more important to be reminded that each one of us is a beloved child of God, a beloved member of St Thomas’s, a rescuer, and one for whom the promised rescue of God is assured. As we do what we can to keep everyone healthy, we also keep everyone in our prayers. I have been greatly encouraged by the stories I hear of on-line Sunday School and Zoom coffee meet-ups and one-on-one telephone check-ins. These are all evidence of the hands of Jesus still at work. I encourage everyone to continue to hold others close in spirit.
May the blessing of new Easter life be with you every day. And until we can gather again to give thanks to God – be well.
Yours in Christ,
Father Howie
The Reverend Dr. Howell C. Sasser, Jr., Rector