Easter Sunday

By The Rev. Maxine Gray

Luke 24:1-12

1 On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Jesus is risen! [He is risen indeed!]

That is what we focus on. This is a day of celebration and renewal, it is Easter. We think of wonderful ribbon bedecked baskets with flowers, and candy, and colorful eggs. We expect sunshine, gatherings of family and friends. We have been waiting for good news and this is the day for it. But did you hear this gospel story? The clouds have not cleared from the sky in this account.

The women got up early, the shadows were deep as they walked to the place where they had spied on Joseph when he placed Jesus’ body in that tomb. They were carrying the spices they had carefully mixed for their task of caring for that body. When they arrived the entrance was cleared of that large stone; they could walk right in. And they did! Things were not as they should have been. There was no body. What they saw were two men aglow with brightness. Now what? This day was not unfolding as it was supposed to, couldn’t anything go right? It was too much, they knelt face down. Maybe this was a aberration that would disappear. Then the men spoke to them, questioning why they were here. Why do you look for the living among the dead? they ask. Didn’t they understand, the women were looking for the dead, Jesus’ body was supposed to be here, they saw him placed here! In spite of their terror, they continued to listen. What they heard seemed too hard to take in. Could it be? Jesus is risen?! 

Well they had this news straight from a couple of angels, it seemed, and you don’t see them every day. Maybe they could be trusted as having the truth. They told them to Remember, Remember Jesus’ apprising the group about what was to happen, that he would be taken away, crucified, and then rise again. Remember that? Evidently it had not been given much credence at the time. As they dug deeper into their memories, that information had been shared. At the time, it had not seemed so very important or plausible. Now, with the empty tomb as evidence and these messengers brightening up their day, it was a hope fulfilled, a hope they had not even grasped. Jesus is risen! 

They went to tell the 11 and all the rest of the followers who had tagged along. They told them again and again, as they were questioned and every detail was sought. Still, they were not believed!  It seemed an idle tale. Their audience could not imagine the truth of their witness. Their emotion filled words, conveyed with strong confidence, were not enough to convince them. Their testimony went nowhere. Peter at least went to the tomb himself. But even the empty linens did not persuade him to accept their word. Amazed, perplexed, and overcome with more questions – perhaps, but not yet accepting!

The angels had it right! They provided the clue to solving this mysterious turn of events, not just for Peter and his fellow followers but also for us. Their advice: “Remember his words.”  It is what moved the women to accept the evidence of their eyes.  It is what will eventually help the disciples.  It is what we need to do.  Remember Jesus’ suffering, his trials and humiliation, remember his death. Remember the words he spoke to the sinners he welcomed. Remember the words of healing that changed the lives of those he touched. Remember his teaching of servanthood and the example of his actions. It is the memory of his life that will lead us into the new life that is provided for us. In the memory comes the power to boost God’s new creation into being. You see, Jesus is not enclosed in a tomb. Jesus is risen! He is remembered in the breaking of bread, even as we are nourished, strengthened and united in that Meal. He is remembered in the serving that we do together in His name. He has conquered death in his resurrection. The stone is rolled away so that the memories can become real and open the truth of the love the Lord pours out for us. Easter is here today. Take his words to heart. Jesus is risen!