THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

View from the Pew

Our Easter celebrations continue, and today our focus is on the readings for the Third Sunday after Easter.  I invite us, however, to reflect on family, particularly our church family.

In the Bible, Christians are described as a spiritual family adopted by God through Jesus Christ and bound together by the Holy Spirit. That is who we are, the church family.

Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we are “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”  We are also encouraged to “do good unto all men, especially them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). We are called to live and care for one another as family.

Last Wednesday, the ashes of one of our faithful sisters were inurnment.   Another sister celebrated 99 years, and yet another celebrated 100 years yesterday. Both have been homebound for some time. Miss Lunnette Palmer, 99, was visited and received Holy Communion. She was overjoyed and deeply appreciated the interaction.  Later today, some family members will gather to celebrate Miss Cynthia Rainford’s milestone of 100 years. After all, this is what it means to be family.

Consider Jesus’ own example. Even as a child, He said, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Yet, in His final moments on the cross, He ensured that His mother was cared for (John 19:26–27).

These moments reflect both devotion to God and deep care for family.

Do we care for our family, both our blood family and our church family? Let us, in this Easter season, be more intentional in calling and visiting our homebound brothers and sisters. As in any family, we can grow apart, especially when someone is no longer able to join us in worship.



Family matters. Let us see Christ in each other and make every effort to hold on to one another as Christ would have us. In doing so, we not only strengthen one another, but we bear witness to the love of Christ alive among us.

Blessings,

Anne Spence-Morris