Behold how good, how pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like precious oil on Aaron’s head running down on his beard, running down to the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Mount Hermon, falling on the hills of Zion. For that is where GOD bestows the blessing—life that never ends.
– Psalm 133
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Beloved of God,
As the flora of the natural world comes to life around us these April days, we continue our celebration of the resurrection. One of the greatest signs of the resurrection life to which we are called comes to us by way of the Scripture readings during this Easter season. One of those, Psalm 133, is a favorite of mine. One of the “psalms of ascent” or pilgrimage psalms, this psalm was sung and recited by folks who were making their way up to Jerusalem to celebrate the holy festivals. When I think of this psalm I imagine groups of travelers walking—some for days—perhaps camping out a night or two enroute, with their eyes set on the goal of reaching the Holy City in time for the sacred celebration. Along the trail I see them reconnecting with family members, renewing friendships, and, hopefully, experiencing the sweet nectar of a community in tune with each other and in tune with life.
My seminary advisor, Professor of Old Testament Jim Limberg, enjoyed teaching his Hebrew students a melody for singing Psalm 133. After learning the tune, he’d lead us on a pilgrimage to other classrooms while the Hebrew words echoed through the halls: “Hine ma tov uma nahim – shevet achim gum yachad!” Behold how good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
On April 14th this month our congregation will once again expand as we receive by Rite of Welcome a new group of people who have been called by the Spirit to make Peace Lutheran a spiritual home base. Some of their names and faces will be familiar to you while others will be new. If you haven’t yet met them, April 14 will be an excellent opportunity to do so! Each of them—Christina, Jacob, Eugene, Raymond, Ann, Kristin, Patty, Shari, Pidge, Matthew, and Paul—have a story to tell about how they felt drawn into our community and what they are hoping to both receive and share in the life we share. It’s been a joy to learn more of their stories during our Journey of Faith process. As they become more deeply connected at Peace, I hope you will share in the joy of coming to know these new “kin.”
Then, on April 21st the circle will expand wider still as we welcome Astrud Bernadette Gray to the body of Christ through Holy Baptism. When Astrud is baptized we, the people of Peace, will be articulate our promise to support her and pray for her as her new life in Christ continues to root and grow. We will call her “sister” for she will be one of our new siblings, one of our kin. It makes me want to sing!
Living with resurrection joy!
Pastor Erik
What does this mean?