In this Easter season, when green shoots and spring flowers are finally emerging, it’s a delight to feel uplifted and optimistic. The words of the Easter Hymn resonate: “Now the green blade rises from the buried grain … love is come again like wheat arising green.” (ELW 379)

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

This season is a particular delight after our long winter in Minnesota—and Easter is a gift every year. The liturgical calendar is both wise and generous. In a world so often trapped in a story of brokenness, Easter is also radical.

Easter joy isn’t simply a passing emotion that fades after the lilies are sent home and the last of the candy is consumed. It’s a declaration of God’s promise of new life, revealed in the resurrection, with trust, wonder, and hope. Easter is an opportunity to open our eyes to a deeper reality, and a discipline that orients us toward the reign of God all year long.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Part of our calling at Luther Seminary is to attend to the places in our mission and the church where new life is emerging. I am thankful for the Easter proclamation that new life in the risen Christ may not look like what we’re used to, or what we expect.

While our culture tends to fixate on disaster and despair, Easter teaches us to be open to new life even in the dead and dying places in our world. Like the women beside the empty tomb, we are invited to be fearless with this new story: “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” (Matthew 28: 5b–6)

An Easter mindset gives us the courage to lead faithful innovation for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a rapidly changing world. As we create new pathways for students, make theological education more accessible and affordable, and build community in new ways after the pandemic, we trust in the promises the Easter proclamation holds for our community and each one of God’s children.

Wherever we may go—beyond even death itself—Christ has gone before us and meets us there.

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Grace and peace,

Robin J. Steinke
President