In Katharine Jefferts Schori\u2019s Easter missive, the message of Jesus\u2019 Resurrection is like the seed scattered among the thorns: it is choked by weeds – green weeds.<\/p>\n
In reading her Easter guide to spring planting, I remain uncertain as to whether or not the gardener is Jesus. I note the lack of a capital \u201cG\u201d. He himself is planted<\/em> and then spring[s] up green, <\/em>so my abiding suspicion is that this is nothing other than a roundabout way of encouraging churches to enhance their electrical plant by installing more rooftop solar panels.<\/p>\n Meaning does occasionally struggle defiantly to raise its head in this epistle, but it is ruthlessly suppressed by the keen mind of the Presiding Bishop.<\/p>\n You can read the whole panegyric to Easter shrubbery here<\/a>:<\/p>\n She peers in once more \u2013 who are these, so bold appearing? \u201cFear not, woman\u2026 why do you weep?\u201d She turns away and meets another, who says the same \u2013 why do you weep, who are you looking for? This gardener has himself been planted and now springs up green and vibrant, still rising into greater life. He challenges her to go and share that rising, great news of green and life, with those who have fled.<\/p>\n Still rising, still seeking union with Creator, making tender offering to beloved friends \u2013 briefly I am with you, I am on my way. Go and you will find me if you look.<\/p>\n The risen one still offers life to those who will look for evidence of his gardening \u2013 hope, friendship, healing, reunion, restoration \u2013 to all who have been uprooted, cut off, to those who are parched and withered, to those who lie wasting in the desert. Why do we weep or run away when that promise abides?<\/p>\n We can find that green one, still rising, if we will go stand with the grieving Marys of this world, if we will draw out the terrified who have retreated to their holes, if we will walk the Emmaus road with the lost and confused, if we will search out the hungry in the neighborhood called Galilee. We will find him already there before us, bringing new and verdant life. The only place we will not find him is in the tomb.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In Katharine Jefferts Schori\u2019s Easter missive, the message of Jesus\u2019 Resurrection is like the seed scattered among the thorns: it is choked by weeds – green weeds. In reading her Easter guide to spring planting, I remain uncertain as to … Continue reading