Holy Week – Easter Message from Bishop Dee Pederson

What must it have been like? To have seen him crucified and dying, and then at the open tomb in the garden, hear him speak your name, Mary. What must it have been like? 

What must it have been like? To have denied you even knew him, ran away in fear, seen him alive, miss his presence right there in front of you, but then over breakfast on the beach, hear him speak your name, Simon, son of John. What must it have been like? 

They may have carried in their hearts the same sentiment as those unnamed travelers in Luke’s gospel, who walked the road to Emmaus that first Easter night, But we had hoped….. 

You and I carry in our hearts our own thoughts, questions, and experiences as we hear the stories of this holy week: horror, grief, fear, doubts, bewilderment, unfulfilled hopes. Sometimes we wonder if Jesus ever knew our name, or at best, even remembers it. 

In all of these moments, dearly beloved, God speaks to you a never-ending word of promise. For at a time you may or may not remember, God washed you in water and the word, spoke your name, claimed you in the strong name of the holy Trinity, and gave you the gifts of forgiveness and life. You were joined to Christ’s death and resurrection. In every moment of every day, the presence of Jesus Christ crucified and risen is with you. God reminds you, I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1).  

Finally, when we have died the death of this world, God will speak your name and speak you to life once again. The meaning of the Third Article in Luther’s Small Catechism reminds you, On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and will give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life.  

I pray that wherever you are during this holy week, you may hear Jesus speak your name in the precious words of scripture, proclamation, song, and prayer. I pray that you hear again that word of promise, I have called you by name, you are mine. And I pray your heart will sing and shout, Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!