COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

JOHN 20:1-18

Sermon – Easter 2002, 11:15 a.m.

So What?

On that Friday afternoon, Jesus Christ was dead. There was no question about it. He had been executed by the Roman Empire after being charged as a rebel, a new “King of the Jews” in opposition to Roman rule, and the Roman army would never have released to his friends the body of someone convicted of sedition unless the man was definitely dead.

He was buried. And not one of his followers—or anyone else—had any flicker of hope that that would change. If they had, they might have spent the Sabbath resting right outside the tomb, in anticipation. But no one did.

But very early on the first day of the week, all that changed. He rose from the dead before the stone was ever rolled away from the tomb. He rose completely from the dead; there was no body left in the tomb, nothing dead about him in any sense. He was alive, tangible but more alive than ever, able to come out of a tomb without moving the stone from the door, able to appear, fully tangible, out of thin air in locked rooms, able to travel dozens of miles without anyone understanding how he did it. All this, to the amazement and finally the overwhelming joy of his previously deeply depressed followers.

So what?

What does this event 2,000 years ago and 8,000 miles away mean for us, here, now?

First of all, the Easter event proclaims that Jesus is still alive—not in tangible form on earth anymore but in heaven—and that he seeks a personal, powerful relationship with everyone so that they, too, may experience life in its fulness. It is no accident that Mary Magdalene in today’s Gospel story does not recognize him until he calls her by name; so profound was her sorrow that only a personal relationship with Christ could transform her life. And God, who is God of everywhere and everyone—of God knows how many galaxies and solar systems and planets and all their inhabitants—seeks out a personal relationship with each and every one of us that we may experience new life.

Jesus is a historical figure, but he is more than that: he lives today so that we and all people may truly live.

Second, the Easter event proclaims that through Christ forgiveness of sins and a fresh start is possible for everyone. Ever really, really want a second chance? You have it.

Third, the Easter event proclaims that hatred and violence do not have the last word; God’s love has the last word. This Easter, we especially need to hear this. Human beings did their worst to Christ, but his love could neither be converted nor conquered.

Fourth, new life in Christ made possible by the Easter event means not just hope for heaven, but the availability of rebirth, strength, guidance, healing, meaning and purpose in our lives individually and collectively here and now.

And finally, yes, the Easter event means hope for new, better life in heaven beyond this mortal life, by the grace and mercy of God.

If all that is a lot to absorb this morning, there’s a reason the Church spends 50 days celebrating Easter: it’s so good it is a lot to absorb. So if you want to have only a “Hallmark cards” Easter, you can stop after today; if you want a Christian Easter, continue celebrating, learning and living as part of the worshiping community for the next seven weeks. And, every Sunday is “a little Easter”, every Sunday is a day we draw nourishment and strength for the journey from the Bible, the sacraments, the community of faith and Christ’s spiritual presence with us.

Hey, we’re alive anyway, so let’s live. Alleluia, alleluia!

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church