Seeing and Believing

Rev. Joshua Patty
Regional Minister and President

“I have seen the Lord.”

Mary’s simple statement, each time I read or hear it, grabs me and takes my breath away. After her emotional encounter with the resurrected Jesus, she shares the story with others, beginning, “I have seen the Lord.”  

This was not just something that happened to Mary. The New Testament shares that many people have seen the resurrected Jesus -- the apostles and then Thomas in a closed room, two disciples walking to Emmaus, and even the apostle Paul (an encounter which, ironically, left him temporarily blind).  

And I’m convinced that our own faith is rooted in the times we have seen the resurrected Jesus -- precious moments when we have received radical forgiveness, gained wisdom beyond our capabilities, experienced comfort and hope in the depths of despair, or powerfully been embraced by God’s love. Part of the way that our faith continues developing and growing is learning to recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives and being able to describe those special moments like Mary did, “I have seen the Lord.”

The more we do this, the more we can help others recognize Jesus’ presence in their lives. As Disciples, we often do this by gathering frequently at the Lord’s Table and repeating Jesus’ invitation to others. We do it through prayer and Sunday School classes, through supporting one another and generously reaching out to people in need. As a region, we offer these opportunities each year through church camps and more.

During this Easter season, I hope you recognize a time when you have again been in the presence of Jesus and that you find words to tell someone else about it. If the words don’t come easily, remember Mary, take a breath, and begin. “I have seen the Lord.”