Clergy Corner: March 19, 2026

It is already mid-March. From the high mountain foothills to the once-desolate fields and quiet residential streets, my eyes are drawn to the soft, pale green sprouts. It isn’t just the towering trees; even the tiny, unknown wildflowers are beginning to bud. After enduring the biting cold and snowstorms of a long winter—hiding away as if dead—nature is now flaunting the hidden power of life within, announcing that the long-awaited spring has returned. According to the lunar calendar, we have passed Gyeongchip, when hibernating frogs awake, and the Spring Equinox will soon officially declare the season’s arrival.

Life! How beautiful it is. Like humans, all living things begin to decay and return to the dust the moment life departs. Conversely, there is such joy in seeing a dying plant regain its vitality. At home, I often watch with wonder as my wife tenderly nurses wilting aloes or houseplants back to health. Seeing things that looked beyond hope suddenly flourish again fills me with awe at God’s providence, as He restores that mysterious life force.

Humanity is no different. It brings such happiness to see a body, once withered by illness, recover its health. Who truly welcomes death? No matter what form our lives take on this earth, the life we enjoy each day is incredibly precious.

In ten days, we will observe Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passion Week. This is the day Jesus entered Jerusalem to complete His mission of sacrifice and Resurrection. The people of Israel were waiting for a political Messiah—a warrior-king like David to liberate them from Roman oppression. They cheered with excitement as Jesus entered on a lowly donkey, shouting, “Hosanna! Save us now!”

Yet, that excitement turned into betrayal just a few days later. When Jesus was arrested and stood in Pilate’s court, the crowd poured out mockery, shouting, “Crucify him!” Their earthly expectations had crumbled, leading them to side with the leaders who incited them with lies. Even as He hung on the cross, Jesus interceded for them: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He came to this earth specifically to save and forgive such an ignorant people who are rebellious against God.

Why did the Son of the Creator take on human flesh to die on a cross? It was to remove the sin inherent in human nature and to shatter the power of death that entered this world through Adam. He did this so that anyone who believes in this great love—anyone who turns from a self-centered life to live by His Word—can have their true life restored. He invites us to mature into characters that resemble His own, loving God and neighbor with all our hearts.

To Martha, Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Jesus endured the shame and curse of the cross so that those who live by the Holy Spirit can overcome the world. He promised that when he returns, we will eventually be clothed in glorious, resurrected bodies, enjoying eternal life in the Heaven free of pain and death.

As we approach Passion Week, let us prepare for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday with hearts full of gratitude and joy. I pray that we may all encounter the living Jesus personally, be transformed, and live each day revealing God’s love through the power of His resurrection life.