Download this seasonal reflection as a bulletin insert (PDF).
Gospel Readings
John 20.1-10 or Matthew 28.1-10 (Easter Day), John 20.19-31, Luke 24.13-35, John 10.1-10, John 14.1-14, John 15.1-8, John 17.1-11, John 20.19-23 or John 14.8-17 (Pentecost)
Reflection for the Season
Excitement and mystery fill Easter season gospels. There is the mystery of the empty tomb on Easter Day. In the days and weeks that follow, the Resurrected Jesus appears to Mary, to the disciples, then to the disciples and the doubter Thomas, and he joins travelers on the Road to Emmaus. As the season draws to a close, Jesus informs his followers of his return to the Father. And on the Day of Pentecost, as Jesus departs the earthly scene, we are instructed to keep his commandments if we love him.
In this scientific age, Doubting Thomas is a contemporary figure. Wouldn't we all like to have our faith confirmed by a physical encounter with the Resurrected Lord? In identifying with Thomas, it is possible to lose sight of the context of that particular encounter. Jesus' greeting to Thomas and the other disciples is "Peace be with you." Think about it, the One who suffered a violent, unjust death greets those closest to him, those who deserted him, with a word of peace.
Peace and keeping Jesus' commandments as signs of our love of him are the mission of ECS. Our ministry is grounded in the Good News of Easter. Our spiritual commitment expressing our love and deep thanksgiving to Jesus is translated into acts of love and compassion for the most vulnerable among us – children in need of safety and nurturing, families in need of emergency housing and support for independent living, elderly in need of care and companionship. The Good News of Easter informs and becomes action daily as ECS brings hope and help for 'the least of these' in the eyes of the world.
—The Rev. John E. Midwood
ECS Story of Hope
Juliet enrolled at ECS Urban Bridges in the fall of 2007 with the goal of obtaining her GED. Her greatest challenge was the mathematics portion of the GED examination. After three years of hard work on her own and with her tutors, she passed the fifth and final test (mathematics) and received her GED in July 2010. Six weeks later, she completed the coursework and received her state certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Denise Brunker, Program Coordinator at Urban Bridges, recommended Juliet to our Home Care Department for employment. Juliet's pre-employment tests were excellent and she was hired. Her client and staff ratings during the field orientation at the beginning of her employment were very positive and she is now an ECS Home Health Aide. Her supervisor reports she is dependable, has a good work ethic, and takes pride in her work. Juliet is a double example of the hope and help ECS offers as we express our love of the Risen Lord. First, Juliet availed herself of the help and hope offered through ECS programs. And now, she offers help and hope to the elderly as an ECS Home Health Aide.
Help Fill the Bus!
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