John 20:1-9 --He has risen !

Today is the Sunday of all Sundays, the great celebration of the resurrection of Jesus! On this day, we join with the disciples as they race to the tomb and discover it empty. We don’t have to linger on the outside with our doubts and fears. We can accompany the beloved disciple who went into the tomb and “saw and believed” [John 20:8]. Then, with Mary Magdalene, we can embrace Jesus as our risen Lord.

During Lent, we searched our hearts to find the stones that block us from the resurrection life. Now Jesus has rolled back these stones so that we can enter into a life of freedom and hope and joy. Let this be a day of celebration! Jesus has triumphed over every obstacle. He has obtained everything we need. We can rest in his arms, knowing that we are secure.

Let’s stay close to Jesus in the joy of the resurrection. Though world events may be cause for serious concern, though the “unpredictables” of daily life may challenge our patience and trust, Jesus is with us. He wants the joy and stone-moving power of this day to be available to us always. In faith, we can pursue the lifetime goal of continual resurrections over everything that keeps us from recognizing our privileged position as "beloved disciple."

Now is the time to raise your head and “set your minds on things that are above-- not on things that are on earth.” Why? Because "you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" [Colossians 3:2-4]. Just as John looked inside the empty tomb and believed-- we believe that the same Jesus who died and was thought to be gone forever is now alive. Our faith in his resurrection means we can put our trust in his entire life. All his words are true. All his promises-- and all our hopes and dreams--will be fulfilled. As the light of the resurrection dawns with increasing brilliance, let your Easter alleluia burst forth!

"What a beautiful life you have given me, Lord Jesus! Let me sing of the glorious hope that comes from your resurrection. With each day-- but especially today-- make my joy a gift to you, a grateful acknowledgment of the love you have for me."

Yodi and I wish you all a most joyous Easter. Lift up your voices and hearts in praise of the Lord--who has conquered death so that we might live--forever and forever. Amen