Dear Friends,
A story for you as we enter the sacred mystery of Easter….
In 1979, when I was 3 months pregnant with our first child, I joined the Vineyard Community in Lenox, MA to rehearse and perform William Gibson’s play, “The Body and the Wheel.” Drawn from the Gospels, the play adds depth and creativity to the retelling of Jesus’ presence, teaching and passion. Bill Gibson was a member of the community and directed us, as well. This was not my first “encounter” with Mr Gibson, 11 years earlier during my Senior year in High School, I played Annie Sullivan in his remarkable telling of Helen Keller’s story in “The Miracle Worker.” I have fond memories of my mother’s experienced hand, helping Ginny Roberts and I rehearse important scenes between Helen and Annie.
I was new to the Vineyard Community, though had seen their production the year before. To this day, I remember Jesus’ call to “follow me” deeply touching my heart, calling to me. I was cast as the Narrator and slipped between explanations and pronouncements to move the scenes forward. The man playing Jesus, Spencer Trova, had such talent and grace in the role.
The final scene of the play starts on the stage, the cast whispering in wonder to each other, “He is risen, as he said!” Bodies engaging and turning, speaking over and over “He is risen, as he said!” The moment filled with both disbelief and awe. We walked into the audience, telling the people excitedly, “He is risen, as he said!” “He is risen, as he said!” Over and over we whispered to our companions in the Mystery, as we shared the Good News. Our voices got louder the farther up the aisles we traveled until, all gathered in the back, we were shouting, “HE IS RISEN, AS HE SAID!!”
My heart responded throughout this experience: saying “yes” to the call, entering the wonder, eager to share the news, filled with joy, moved to tears, part of a community of witnesses to the miracle of Love. I pass this image onto you, friends, as this year’s Easter unfolds in your hearts. We may not see or experience the miracle of Jesus’ actual resurrection, but every moment offers the potential of new life…a relationship reconciled, loss transformed through a grieving heart, evidence of human kindness, patience where once there was intolerance. The “dying of self” that Jesus taught us leads us to our own resurrection through rebirth, transformation and hope in its most fundamental form.
Easter Blessings dear Friends, Lisa