This is not the Easter we expected or wanted. And in the midst of everything going on – grief and fear because of the virus; no in-person worship; no big Easter egg hunts; shortages at grocery stores; limits on family gatherings – in the midst of all this, I wonder if it’s tempting to yell out the window, “Easter is cancelled!” and go back to bed.
Tempting, perhaps. And yet, isn’t this *gestures wildly at everything going on* why we need resurrection?! Isn’t this why we need to be assured that God is victorious over sin, death, and the devil? Isn’t the whole point of this story that nothing – not the coronavirus, not a flailing economy, not empty church buildings, not earthly powers, not even death – can cancel God’s will of wholeness and abundant life for all creation?
Many pastors have noted that the experience of the first Easter aligns much more closely with our present circumstances than with the pomp and jubilation of our usual celebrations. Like the eleven disciples on that first Easter, we are huddled at home behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain about what the future holds.
Like the Marys on that first Easter, we journey to the tomb weighed down with grief and longing. Like the Marys, we have been caught by surprise, our earth is shaking, and we are afraid. Like the Marys, we are facing unexpected emptiness. Like the Marys, our emotions are all over the place – both fear and great joy held together this Easter.
The angel’s words on that first Easter are for us, too – “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” The risen Jesus isn’t tethered to this altar, or this building. I know you’re looking for him, but he is not here. You heard right – he’s not here, but out in the world, with you!
Jesus is present wherever the church; the people; you are gathered. He is present in the word, read and proclaimed; present when we splash in the water and remember God’s claim on us in baptism. Jesus is present in the faces of our neighbors; present in us and through us - his body in the world - as we love and serve one another. Yes, Jesus is present with us always, just as he promised he would be.
So, no – Easter is not cancelled! It looks and sounds a little different this year, certainly. But even without lilies and trumpets and choirs; even without bright dresses and ties and new shoes, the joy and wonder of Easter is still true - Jesus is alive! And even while we look for him, the risen Jesus meets us on the way and sends us to share the good news – death is defeated! God is victorious! Alleluia!
The tomb is empty and God will raise us, too. Fear doesn't win; death doesn't get the last word. We are joined to Christ's resurrection in the waters of baptism, and we receive God's grace, mercy, and peace wherever we are. This is glorious good news! Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Tempting, perhaps. And yet, isn’t this *gestures wildly at everything going on* why we need resurrection?! Isn’t this why we need to be assured that God is victorious over sin, death, and the devil? Isn’t the whole point of this story that nothing – not the coronavirus, not a flailing economy, not empty church buildings, not earthly powers, not even death – can cancel God’s will of wholeness and abundant life for all creation?
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| Mural above the altar at Trinity Lutheran Church, Connellsville |
Many pastors have noted that the experience of the first Easter aligns much more closely with our present circumstances than with the pomp and jubilation of our usual celebrations. Like the eleven disciples on that first Easter, we are huddled at home behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain about what the future holds.
Like the Marys on that first Easter, we journey to the tomb weighed down with grief and longing. Like the Marys, we have been caught by surprise, our earth is shaking, and we are afraid. Like the Marys, we are facing unexpected emptiness. Like the Marys, our emotions are all over the place – both fear and great joy held together this Easter.
The angel’s words on that first Easter are for us, too – “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” The risen Jesus isn’t tethered to this altar, or this building. I know you’re looking for him, but he is not here. You heard right – he’s not here, but out in the world, with you!
Jesus is present wherever the church; the people; you are gathered. He is present in the word, read and proclaimed; present when we splash in the water and remember God’s claim on us in baptism. Jesus is present in the faces of our neighbors; present in us and through us - his body in the world - as we love and serve one another. Yes, Jesus is present with us always, just as he promised he would be.
So, no – Easter is not cancelled! It looks and sounds a little different this year, certainly. But even without lilies and trumpets and choirs; even without bright dresses and ties and new shoes, the joy and wonder of Easter is still true - Jesus is alive! And even while we look for him, the risen Jesus meets us on the way and sends us to share the good news – death is defeated! God is victorious! Alleluia!
The tomb is empty and God will raise us, too. Fear doesn't win; death doesn't get the last word. We are joined to Christ's resurrection in the waters of baptism, and we receive God's grace, mercy, and peace wherever we are. This is glorious good news! Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
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