Posted by cav on April 01, 2005 at 19:54:46:
In Reply to: The Gift and the assurance of the Ressurection posted by Ryan on April 01, 2005 at 13:24:30:
: This was om the UCC (United Church of Christ)website I thought this would be good to post.
: In Him
: Ryan
:
: The Gift of Life Eternal
: By The Rev. John H. Thomas
: UCC General Minister and President
: March 31, 2005
: Eternal God --
: As individuals and as a nation, even as we have wrestled privately and publicly with the deepest complexities of life and death, bring us again to that quiet place that rests beyond political argument or religious platitude. Allow the stark reality of this moment to instruct us: Whether we live or whether we die, we belong to you.
: We recognize and lament the death of Terri Schiavo and the legal battles and public controversy that have enveloped her and her loved ones during her final years and days. At the same time, we remember and grieve the loss of our own loved ones, as we are once again reminded that, despite your assurances, death remains a most suspicious stranger. We confess the pain, confusion and tension that death's reality stirs in us.
: As Easter people, however, we would dare to live otherwise. Therefore, confirm in us the teachings of our resurrection faith. Remind us that death's sting is no match for your loving care. Comfort us in the knowledge that we belong -- soul, mind and body -- to Christ Jesus, our eternal abiding place.
: Restore our trust, O God, in you.
: Amen