Easter is always about new life, new birth, and new beginnings. But newness requires that we let go of what of what is past to embrace the new. Just as the newly married cannot hold onto their past single lives or new parents their past freedom, so as people of faith we are called to embrace the new wine, not in old wineskins but new.
And so, I invite you this Easter to look at what you are holding onto that is passed and what you need to let go of in order to embrace the new life God is offering.
What new thing might God be wanting to do in your life this next year? What new ministry that perhaps you have never tried before? What new volunteer opportunities? What new relationships?
The message of Easter is despite fear, grief, or anxiety – God always calls us to enter into a new life waiting for us.
This is the two movements of Easter, but also the baptismal liturgy. What do we need to let go of (renounce) in order to take hold of something life giving, beautiful, and new (affirmation)? It is as we let go and take hold of something better and lifegiving that resurrection can arise in us and in our communities.
So, as we each stand on Easter Sunday to re-affirm our new covenant with God, let us commit ourselves to letting go of the past so we may fully and with open hearts embrace the future.
With much love always,
Revd Deborah