From the CROSS to the EMPTY TOMB…

Isn’t it incredible how quickly life moves by? Often times, we do not even recognize the changing seasons or the months passing. To be quite honest, I sometimes find myself forgetting about what day it is when I awake, needing to “shake off the cobwebs” just to think of the responsibilities that I have for that specific day. Yet, during this time of the year, when we walk with Jesus – from the shouts of “Hosanna!” to the joyful cries of “Alleluia, He is Risen!” – we have an incredible opportunity. Our God gifts to us the joy of reflecting upon His journey to the cross, His willingness to face death, His awesome victory over evil, and His rising to the new life that He gives to us. In our Holy Week celebrations, we remember and witness the journey, both through His Word and in our worship. We fix our eyes upon His cross and recognize the beauty of His love, one that is seemingly indescribable. We find ourselves overwhelmed by His Passion, singing joyfully in our forgiveness: “I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us from the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus to wash my crimson stains – clean in His blood most precious till not a spot remains” (Lutheran Service Book – Hymn #606). Sisters and brothers, let us gather in the midst of our light-speed lives and lay our sins upon the Lord, knowing that, from the cross to the empty tomb, He bears our griefs and sorrows to give us life and salvation.

Peace & love in Jesus,
Pastor Gonzalez