Throughout Lent, I have preached sermons that addressed John Wesley’s concept regarding the availability of God’s Grace. He said that we have exposure to many “means of Grace.” They are occasions when we can witness and experience the Grace of God in our daily lives. He identifies three in particular: Holy Communion, searching the Scriptures, and prayer. Beyond those, there are no limits. Grace is available, and we discover it to the extent that we are prepared to welcome it into our hearts and souls.

Maybe you have joined me in watching for the revelations of God’s Grace. As we have approached the celebration of Easter, I have been aware of the Divine’s exposure.

Recently, we created an opportunity for interfaith dialogue. About 40 Muslims joined with about 40 of us as Christians to talk about that which we hold in common. Dr. Yusuf Kavakci, the Imam from the Dallas Central Mosque, was with us. He’s an internationally know scholar of the Qur’an. He talked about the respect that Muslims have for Christians and how they hold deep love for God, the same God whom we worship.

Also, we heard from Dr. Robert Hunt, who is a well-known scholar of interfaith dialogue and Professor of World Religions at Perkins School of Theology. He, too, addressed the theological principles that Christians hold in common with Muslims. We hold significant beliefs in common.

Both of the scholars, along with the participants who gathered around tables for dialogue, agreed that discussing our common beliefs is an act of peacemaking that we would do well to promote. In that setting, where we were talking about faith, the Grace of God was made evident.

On Palm Sunday, we worshiped in an atmosphere of music provided by our children’s choir and our Chancel Choir. All who were there felt moved by the sacred, and all of us knew that to be a means of Grace.

Following worship on that Sunday, our children were gleeful to discover that thousands of eggs filled with delights had been spread all over the church yard for their discovery. They loved it, and for those of us who watched, God’s Grace was revealed once again.

On Maundy Thursday, we worshiped as we remembered the last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before he faced the cross. All of the disciples were present, and they each told us about the feelings that they had on that night. Then we gathered around the Communion Table in groups of 12 to celebrate that sacred meal ourselves. God’s Grace was made evident.

On Good Friday, we were in a Service of Darkness, reading the Scriptures that tell the story of Jesus as he faced the cross and died. Many took turns reading, and many more sang beautifully as the lights dimmed and candles, one by one, were snuffed out. To remember the unrelenting dedication of Christ in his effort to deliver the Grace of God was life giving.

On Saturday morning, members of the Open Door Sunday School Class decorated the chancel for Easter while members of the Worship Committee prepared the Fellowship Hall for the Easter Breakfast. The Youth made final preparations for Easter Sunrise. Grace was evident again, and again.

Easter? Well, what could we expect if not Grace. God provides love abundantly. It is ours to behold. Thanks be to God.

Shalom,
Jack