April 19, 2025
Beloveds of the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania,
Grace and Peace in the name of Jesus.
Across the gospel accounts of the Easter story in Holy Scripture, we read of the disciples’ reactions as they encounter the empty tomb and our Risen Lord: there is confusion, lack of understanding, terror, and disbelief. There is also weeping, impassioned devotion, amazement and great joy. Those who meet the truth of God’s greatest act of love on Easter morning are moved with emotion. Death has been vanquished. The power of God’s hand over evil has triumphed, and in this moment of Jesus’ rising, humankind is redeemed. It is no wonder that the disciples were overwhelmed and at once, both afraid and joyful. Jesus, the beloved rabbi, was not just alive again…but Jesus the Christ had risen.
The Easter story offers us God’s most poignant act – the power of which changed the course of human history and gave Jesus’ followers purpose, assurance and hope. In God, all things can be made new. In Jesus’ rising again, we find our salvation, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience this power of love as potent in our time as it was two thousand years ago.
As we meet the changes and chances of the world today, take heart, knowing that the God of Love who raised Jesus from the dead abides with us and gives us strength. In God, our hope is founded.
May you live in the light of Christ’s resurrection and rejoice.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
In the Way of Love,
The Rt. Rev. Kevin Nichols
Bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem
The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan
Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
