CHICAGO, IL (March 31, 2010) – The April issue of The Covenant Companion focuses on how we encounter the risen Jesus.

In “Has Anyone Seen Jesus Lately?” Glen Wiberg notes that Mary’s failure to recognize Jesus, mistaking him instead for the gardener, is often our experience, too. While we look for the spectacular, Jesus comes to us in the ordinary, common occurrences in our lives.

In “Recognizing the Risen Christ,” Helen Cepero offers a reminder that Eastertide is not just one day, but an entire liturgical season. She shares how the Gospel stories help bring the hope of resurrection into everyday life.

Living in the newness of life does not mean experiencing the absence of pain, however. For some people, the Easter season remains one of doubt, pain, and grief. John E. Phelan Jr. provides pastoral care with “A Prayer for Those in Ministry,” which he first shared on the closing day during the Covenant Midwinter Conference earlier this year. In “Is What We Share Enough?” Peter Hawkinson asks if the church community can remain united while respecting differences.

Karl Clifton-Soderstrom concludes his series on vices and virtues, focusing on “Love, the Very Name of God.” Other articles include a look at the development of an upcoming art exhibit at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago that looks at the healing journey, and a profile of Nnenna Okore, a North Park University professor who makes art out of trash. She was one of seven artists chosen to participate in an exhibit produced in conjunction with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

The Companion is an award-winning magazine published monthly.