Launching the Great Fifty Days

Written By Rev. David Price

The Paschal Mystery, Life’s victory over death in the death and resurrection of Christ, deserves Christians’ full attention. Therefore, Easter is not only Easter Day but Easter Week, a season of fifty days from Easter Day to The Day of Pentecost in the late Spring. Notice below the emphasis of the Collect of the Second Sunday of Easter: that resurrection moves in us, prompting a new way of living. Also notice the Scripture lessons of Eucharists in Easter Week, inundating us with how the power of the Risen Christ transforms believers – both the original disciples and us, People of the Resurrection today.

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Briefs on Easter Week Scriptures

Mon.  - Matthew 28:9-15 – Jesus sends Mary Magdalene as a messenger of Resurrection
             Acts 2:14,22b-32 – Peter preaches boldly and effectively in Jerusalem.

Tues.  - John 20:11-18 – Mary Magdalene panics, thinking the body is missing, then is sent to witness the resurrection.
           - Acts 2:36-41 – Peter, preaching, calls a multitude of Israelites to repentance.

Wed.  - Luke 24:13-35 – The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, at length, recognize their guest, the risen Jesus, in the scriptures and the breaking of the bread.
          - Acts 3:1-10 – Peter and John extend the resurrection power of Jesus to the lame beggar, healing him, restoring his legs to full function

Thurs. - Luke 24:36b-48 – The risen Jesus, appears to the disciples on the Galilean beach, and they share a breakfast of broiled fish. He then opens their minds to the scriptures which foretell the Messiah’s suffering, death, and resurrection.
           - Acts 3:11-26 – Peter interprets the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, preaching repentance to those gathered on the Temple’s Solomon’s Portico. Jesus, the Author of Life, was not held by the death that they brought upon him.

Fri.     - John 21:1-14 – Jesus, resurrected, appears to the fishing disciples, instructing them to cast to the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous haul, and breakfast of fish and bread on the beach.
           - Acts 4:1-12 – Annas, the high priest, and other officials arrest John and Peter and question them. Spirit-filled Peter points to the power of Jesus, the one crucified and raised from death.

Sat.   -  Mark 16:9-15, 20 – This text, added to the original Mark, provides a short account of the risen Christ’s appearance to Mary Magdalene; her report to the disciples; Christ’s appearance to the Eleven to commission them for their empowered ministry.
          - Acts 4:13-21 – The rulers and elders and scribes are flummoxed by the boldness of Peter and John; they release them, futilely ordering them to desist speaking or teaching at all in the name of Jesus.

Rev. David Price

Fr. Price joined St. Francis as Assistant Rector in September 2016. He says, “I am eager to be part of St. Francis’ efforts to work, pray, and give.” Fr. Price just completed a 10 year pastorate as Rector of Grace Church, Alvin and celebrated his 32nd anniversary of ordained ministry. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of the University of Arizona, he completed his theological training at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 1984. He served on parish staffs in Midland, Lubbock, and Palestine, before becoming Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School, Houston in 1994.

Fr. Price loves the variety of parish ministry: learning, worshiping, serving, and discovering things in small group fellowship. He recognizes the strength and health of St. Francis Church. He is convinced that in parish work, “God draws people in, builds them up and sends them out to be ambassadors of reconciliation in the world”. He has been married to Jennifer for 35 years. Jennifer, a cardiac nurse, works at CHI St. Luke's Health in the Medical Center. They are proud parents of three adult children: daughters, Emily Hatzel and Hannah Loyd, and son, Andrew Price. They are excited that they recently became grandparents. Fr. Price and Jennifer are both interested in improving their personal health through nutrition and physical activity. He has finished several marathons, half-marathons and triathlons in the last few years.

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