Reflection Throughout this season of Lent, we have been walking together through some of the most meaningful stories in the Gospel of John. Many of us have heard these stories our whole lives, yet each year they seem to meet us again in new ways.
We began in the wilderness with Jesus and the tempter, listening closely to the voices that compete for our attention. Not every voice within us leads toward life. Some stir fear, resentment, or despair. Others speak of trust, hope, and the quiet faithfulness of God. Someone once described this as the story of two wolves within us. The one we feed is the one that grows stronger. Lent has invited us to consider what we are feeding, both in our own hearts and in our life together as a church.
Then came Nicodemus, the faithful teacher who came to Jesus at night. The light of Christ can feel uncomfortable at times. It asks us to see ourselves honestly and to question what we thought we understood. Yet Nicodemus reminds us that curiosity and uncertainty are not barriers to faith. Even in our questions, we are still welcomed into the light and assured of God’s love.
At the well in Samaria, a woman discovered something astonishing. She was deeply known by God and still enthusiastically loved. Jesus did not turn away from her complicated story. Instead, he met her there and offered living water. That moment holds a promise for all of us. None of our lives are simple or spotless, and yet God’s love meets us exactly where we are.
Then we encountered the man born blind. His healing opened his eyes, but it also stirred confusion and resistance among those around him. Sometimes the light disrupts what people have grown comfortable believing. Still, the gospel insists that God longs to open the eyes of our hearts to the possibility of new life.
Finally, we stood outside a tomb as Jesus called Lazarus back into the light. That story reminds us that while it is wise to prepare for death by making peace, loving well, and living honestly, we are also invited to prepare for something greater. We are invited to prepare for eternal life in Christ.
Just last Sunday, the children led us in celebrating Palm Sunday, waving branches and shouting their joyful praise. Yet Palm Sunday always carries a quiet tension because we know where the story is heading. Now we enter Holy Week, remembering once again the lengths to which darkness will go in an attempt to silence the light.
In our own time, we see signs of darkness too. There are wars, conflicts, and uncertainties in the world around us. It can be easy to wonder whether hope can truly hold its ground.
And yet, week after week, this congregation offers a quiet witness that Easter is not just a story. It is a reality.
In the prayers spoken for one another.
In the care shown to neighbors and friends.
In the laughter shared over coffee.
In the voices raised together in song.
These small acts of kindness and faithfulness are signs that resurrection life is already at work among us.
Easter reminds us that life can transcend death, that hope can outlast despair, and that justice and kindness can walk hand in hand. Every time a community gathers in love, compassion, and trust, the light shines again.
Thanks be to God, the darkness has not overcome it.
— Pastor Beau