Latvian Memorial Day serviceKapu svētki

Christ is risen — He is risen indeed! The early Christian church celebrated Easter each time they met — to sing praises, tell the stories, celebrate the Lord’s Supper — that is to say, every Sunday. While we, today’s Christians no longer do that, we do celebrate for six weeks — from Easter morning to the feast of Pentecost. Come, join us — let us celebrate together!

Wishing you all good blessings — māc. Daira

P.S. In addition to the Worship schedule for May and June, I also send you an Easter-time gift: a meditation written by the pastor of St. Andrews Latvian Lutheran church in Toronto—Ilze Kuplens-Ewart.

Funny how those small words can make such a difference. From the difference hearing “please” makes when someone asks you for something, to the “thank you,” even if said automatically. Much more than two, small words, “please” and “thank you” acknowledge the reciprocity in the relationship. I’m sure the lord of the manor never thought to use either of those when issuing orders to his underlings, nor, I guess would someone on a battlefield or in a critical situation. But in everyday life, to use these words indicates a sense of regard for the other. “I know you have other things you’re doing at the moment, but I really appreciate you doing this for me.” Much the same underlies the “thank you.”

The absence of these words, and their associated feelings, suggests: I operate alone, I function in isolation, I don’t need you. Yet while independence of thought is an admirable trait, we need community to thrive. We need that sense of belonging, of mutuality and positive regard to bring out the best in us.

When Jesus, the risen Christ, appears to his followers in that locked room, his first words are “Peace with you.” In English it doesn’t come out right: the “you” whom Jesus addresses is the plural form. It’s not just about peace for me, it’s about the reality of peace being found within that community of his followers.

And, what’s more, those first words aren’t an expression of hope, they’re a statement: “peace with you.” With you and among you is peace.

Maybe those “please’s” and “thank you’s” are a first step towards making this real. We belong to one another, our lives intersect, and where we look upon one another and acknowledge the value, the giftedness and uniqueness of that individual, we can find peace in our midst.

Māc. Ilze Kuplēns-Ewart