We need to physical distance ourselves while we maintain a social connection. We need to actually figure out a way to overcome the “social distancing” that has been emerging more visibly with each passing year and maybe each passing day in our nation if not our world.

I think virtually every commencement speaker says something that reminds the graduates that they do not know everything, that there is more to learn, and that in fact learning is a life-long task. But I have a question? Why do so many people forget this applies to what we know about God too?

This morning I want to invite you to think about how you are feeling. Of course, Mother’s Day – we all may be feeling nostalgic – but in this strange Coronovirus time, most of us are feeling disrupted if nothing else. But I think many of us are feeling a variety of feelings, and this morning I want to share some good news about how to identify and process those feelings for better spiritual health.

What I have found so fascinating about faith is that at its second level it is always challenging me to check my attitudes, my actions, and my priorities to see if the way I live is consistent with the faith I profess.

We are in a time when looking back, wanting to “get back to normal,” wanting to have things “be like they were,” seems to be the big talker. That’s understandable because everything that was “normal” has been turned over by the problems and solutions for this worldwide pandemic.

The stories around the resurrection of Jesus may raise a lot of questions but more important are the promises the Risen Christ makes to us.

POINTS FOR PASSING THROUGH THE EASTER PORTAL Next steps- 1. CHOOSE what you CAN and what you WILL do to create a new world. CHOOSE how you want to shape your life and your community and world 2. INVEST your new life in what is LIFE-GIVING for yourself AND others. If it does not consider how to bless others it is not a good enough choice! 3. ASK YOURSELF- Will it help free me AND others from fear, hate, suffering and greed? You and I and all people are called to work with the Potter to co-create THE NEW EASTER WORLD.

The Palm Sunday “protest parade” reminds us Jesus sees and hears our struggles. In the Last Supper, he gives us a sign to sustain us.