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April 2, 2018

An Easter People

Hannah Dreitcer with Andrew Dreitcer   |   Read 1 John 1:1-10 , Read 1 John 2:1-2

(Image: Pixabay)

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On this second day of the Easter season, we read the opening verses of First John, a letter sent to a congregation of the early church. For this early community, the Easter news is actually new. The Resurrection is a fairly recent event. They are still giddy with surprise and...

Loving God, help me hear the good news through all the clamor. May I see even the smallest way that Christ rises to greet me. Amen.

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Lectionary Week
April 2–8, 2018
Scripture Overview

Easter promises us the possibility of new life in Christ, but what should that life look like? Scripture makes clear that one sign of union with God is unity with each other. How wonderful it is, the psalmist says, when there is peace among brothers and sisters. Unity and peace do not mean simply the lack of conflict but proactive care for one another. The Christians in Acts lived out this care in a practical way by giving of their material means to help one another. John in his epistle tells us that this fellowship with one another is ultimately modeled on the fellowship we share with God and Christ, while in his Gospel, John teaches that belief in Jesus the Messiah is what binds us all together in this new life.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Acts 4:32-35. In what ways have you experienced the generosity of community?
• Read Psalm 133. How and where do you experience the wild, extravagant love of God?
• Read 1 John 1:1–2:2. How do you keep ever before you the urgency and joy of Easter?
• Read John 20:19-31. What fears keep you locked away from the world?

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Our resolve must be different. My prayer is that we have finally reached a tipping point. My hope is that when the protests fade and the marches slow that our will as a church to truly eradicate the scourge of racism won’t dissipate but grows even stronger.” 

View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.


—Rev. Junius B. Dotson, General Secretary (chief executive officer) of Discipleship Ministries, an international agency of The United Methodist Church.