"Wholeness of Being" Series 2026

“Wholeness of Being” Series Summary for Eastertide (April 12-May 24)
Easter reveals God’s commitment to the wholeness of the world.  Theologian Ilia Delio argues that science and faith are not rivals but essential partners in understanding the mystery of life and God's ongoing work.  She says: “We are one body, and we seek one mind and heart so that the whole may become more whole, more personal and unified in love” (The Unbearable Wholeness of Being).  Join us this spring as we explore connections between science and faith for a season of becoming whole so that we can live as agents of love’s unfinished future. 

Apr. 12 | Easter 2 - Communion 
LOVE IS COMMUNITY: One is the loneliest number, according to the 60s ballad.  In Luke 24:13–35, Jesus accompanies the disciples to Emmaus and eats with them.  Resurrection is discovered in relationships, not isolation.  Delio argues that, in an evolving universe, Christ is found in communal belonging rather than in radical individualism.  How do you experience love in community?

Apr. 19 | Easter 3 
UNSTOPPABLE LOVE: Sometimes, we are tempted to give up too soon.  In John 20:19–31, the risen Christ visits the disciples, who are discouraged and hiding behind locked doors.  Easter faith begins not with certainty, but with love that refuses to remain distant.  Ilia Delio rejects the image of a “grandfather God” and opens space for resurrection as God’s self-giving presence within wounded humanity.  Where do you “see” God among us?

Apr. 26 | Easter 4 
RECLAIMING THISNESS: “There is no Planet B,” environmental advocates say.  In Romans 8:18–25, Paul says the whole world is groaning for redemption.  Delio emphasizes that everything—from quarks to people—bears Christic love, and creation groans under humanity’s failure to love well.  Resurrection affirms the sacred uniqueness of every being.  Who has affirmed your uniqueness?

May 3 | Easter 5 
THE FULLNESS OF UNION: We all want to be known.  In John 10:11–18, Jesus says he is like a shepherd who knows his sheep.  Delio describes Jesus as a “strange attractor” who draws creation toward unity through love that disrupts old patterns.  Resurrection is not restoration of the past but emergence of something radically new.  What draws you to Jesus?

May 10 | Easter 6 
FULLNESS AND FREEDOM: In John 15:9–17, Jesus teaches that love is the heart of discipleship.  Resurrection life is freedom rooted in love, not accumulation or control. To live fully is to give oneself away.  Delio frames Christianity as a path toward freedom through love, insisting that freedom cannot be bought or conquered, only received and lived.  When have you felt full of life?

May 17 | Easter 7
THE WAY FORWARD IS INWARD:  It is easier to criticize others than to examine ourselves.  In John 17:20–26, Jesus affirms that God has initiated unity with us.  Jesus’ prayer reveals resurrection unity as deep indwelling—God within us, binding us together in love.  Drawing on Augustine and Rahner, Delio emphasizes inward awakening as essential to spiritual maturity and communal healing.  Are you more critical of yourself or others?

May 24 | Pentecost 
SPIRIT OF WHOLENESS: In Acts 2:1-4, 14-21.  Pentecost reveals wholeness as Spirit-filled diversity. Resurrection culminates in a diverse community empowered to love, speak, and live boldly for the good of the world.  Delio’s vision of Spirit resonates with cosmic creativity, freedom, and relational becoming, grounding Pentecost in evolutionary hope.  How would you describe “the common good”?