Happy Easter?
He is Risen.
We awaken today to the surprising discovery that changed the world. The tomb is empty.
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - Collect for Easter Sunday
The collect or short prayer for today sums up the heart of our faith as Christians.
We believe that the doors of the prison have been opened and we are freed from the bond of the evil in this world, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I listened to a sermon last night that had an interesting message. It focused on that moment that the angel rolled away the stone from the tomb (according to Matthew's Gospel) and sat on the rock.
The image was a striking one, this angel perched atop a rolled away stone, defiant in a way.
The earth shook.
According to the preacher, everything changed in that moment, and yet we go about our lives today as though it is just another day of celebration, a reason to have a party.
We have lost our connection with the significance of God's decision to do what we cannot explain or understand, to become part of this world and suffer as we do, and then to show us a way to have victory over all that we find hopeless or that renders us helpless.
What should we be doing this day?
And shouldn't we be doing it every day?
Nearly two thousand years have passed since that day that Jesus blew the doors off the finality of this life, showing us that he is immortal and through him so are we, and yet we continue to fear the bullies of this world, letting them have dominion over us.
What gives?
Was the resurrection a spectacle. a show for all to experience once a year with grand theatrics and joyous music?
When Jesus rode on a donkey into the city of Jerusalem, people cheered, thinking the king they had waited for had arrived and their lives would be changed forever. Yet, when he rose triumphant over death, they had scattered and were no where to be found.
Where are we in that picture?
What is it we are doing that shows God we do not fear death? How are we standing up to evil? How are we defying the oppressors?
It's a challenge, I know. We don't know how to play this game, now that the rules have changed. Are we supposed to fight against evil or turn the other cheek?
Are we to stand up to those who seek to destroy us and let them, showing them we know this world is nothing compared to where we are going when we leave?
On this Easter Day, I think we need to take a moment to pray for God's help in dealing with what he has opened our eyes to see and our ears to hear.
We are surrounded by evil. How is he calling us to act against it?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Happy Easter?
More to come...