Jesus said,] ["Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)

This is one of the most commonly chosen passages for funerals. Grieving women and men tend to choose it because it is familiar and comforting in their time of grief. As a preacher, it is sometimes difficult to find something unique to say about this passage. But, because of the bold message that Jesus is life, I can see why it is so readily chosen.

On Sunday we tried an experiment with our Confirmation Class. Now, it is not the first or last time that I've tried something new with these intrepid young people. But, this weekend when we gathered for our monthly class with parents, we talked about death and resurrection. A terrifying, mysterious, emotional, and odd, topic to be sure. However, it is one of those important themes in the Christian life and faith that we should take some time to tend to, regardless of (or maybe because of) our discomfort with it.

Since I'm writing this before the class on death and resurrection, I don't know what that conversation on Sunday will lead to. I do, however, think that the time will be important. We're surrounded by so many competing narratives of what death and resurrection looks like (zombie apocalypse anyone?) that discussing the topic in Christian community is important. So, that when we're the person choosing the scripture for a loved one's funeral, we've thought about what it means to die and to live as one who is given life by Jesus. Each of us-for our lives and at our death-has the promise that in Jesus is life.

Good and gracious God, we thank you today for the precious gift of life. Challenge us in our lives, guide us in our conversations and action, and comfort us in our grief. In the name of the one who is the life, Jesus Christ. Amen..

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday April 13, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 20
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday Gospel reading: Easter2
Second Sunday in Easter Sunday