Easter Mass

Adam and I went to Easter mass this morning. It's the first time we've been to church since last summer probably. Maybe longer? Anyway, it's been bugging me for some time that we don't belong to a church...and today was the day we started looking for a church...again!

Funny thing is, every time we decide to start looking for a church again, we go to the exact same church. I love this church, I really really do...but I don't think I can commit to it until I check out a few more churches around town. Next week we will try another one...I swear!

Anywho...the reason I love this church is because it's totally involved with the community. I have always enjoyed the Pastors sermons, because he constantly brings it back to how Jesus wanted us to stop being selfish, and to help others...regardless of their race, sex, age, and he has gone so far as to even say regardless of sexual orientation. It's one of the only churches I know in Lincoln (granted, I dont' know much about churches in Lincoln) who actively supports through brochures and talks the Nebraska Aids Project. I love this church because I don't feel like their "helping the community" is a farce...like I feel many church organizations do. This Pastor truly believes that this world was created to simply LOVE one another...without any fear.

That's basically what his sermon was today. It was about Jesus dying for our sins, because he expects us to sin...because it's impossible to be perfect...IMPOSSIBLE. He said that Jesus was "finished dying, but not finished living". Jesus died for us, so that we can make earth "as it is in heaven". He believed, and dreamed of, a world here on earth...that was loving, and forgiving, and embracing of each other...which included our sins. His sermon was uplifting, and put a bit of faith in my life once again. Jesus died for me, and for all the sinning I have done in this world...not because that was his duty in life...but because he wanted me to show forgiveness in living my life, and to LOVE everyone around me, regardless of who or what they are.

With Spring comes new birth...thus Easter, and the Rising of Jesus Christ. It's beautiful when you are taken back to what the season is truly for, because too often in life we celebrate without meaning...but with only routine. Easter is about FORGIVENESS and LOVE. And not just on this day, but everyday of our lives. Let's not forget that there are so many things that are out of our hands in this world (war, starvation, recessions, etc), but that still there are SMALL steps, and SMALL things we can do to show forgiveness to our neighbors, our families, our co-workers, and even our enemies. Today is the day we need to remember that Jesus died, and rose for us so that we can make a kingdom for him here on earth. It's up to all of us to try to make that a reality.

So...what are you waiting for. Go out and forgive, and love, and change your community...every small thing counts!

Peace and Love