Embrace hope in time for Easter
Easter is here after weeks of people being deprived of contact with friends and loved ones .
Easter is here after weeks of people being deprived of contact with friends and loved ones outside their immediate families, or even the simple pleasure of being able to gather in person for religious services.
Many of us are emotionally and spiritually exhausted. There’s no denying that it’s rather depressing to confront the prospect of an Easter without a trip to church, a big meal with extended family and all the other traditional trappings of the holiday.
But regardless of what’s happening in our world, the power and importance of Easter remain just as they always are. Even in this time of trouble, we must not forget the message of the day that represents the heart of Christian belief — the risen Christ.
As the Bible says in John 20:1-9: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’ “
In Mark 16:5-7, an angel explains what has happened: “As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!’ “
There are many ways for the faithful to approach their Easter celebration at this unusual time. Current circumstances can even enhance the meaning of the holiday, putting aside some of the celebratory frills and focusing on the message.
Recently The Associated Press asked pastors and theologians about their planned Easter messages, and they offered an interesting range of ideas
Robert Franklin, a professor at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, drew parallels between recent days and the trials endured by Jesus.
“The first Easter with its joyful surprise emerged out of suffering, fear, suspicion, death, sorrow and grief,” Franklin wrote. “Easter in the time of COVID-19 is closer existentially to that first Easter than to our customary cultural festivals of self-indulgence and triumphalism.”
The Rev. Steven Paulikas of All Saints Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., finds significance in preaching his Easter sermon before an empty church.
“It’s started me thinking about the empty tomb,” he said, referring to Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. “That emptiness was actually the first symbol of this new life.”
The Rev. Bob Stec of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick, Ohio, wants to deliver a message of hope that reinforces the power of religious faith in difficult times.
“This is one of those wakeup calls,” he said. “We’re more aware than ever how desperately we need God in our lives.”
The opportunity to return to God is here today as Christians celebrate Jesus’ victory over death for all, rich and poor, sinner and saint alike.
Remember during these challenging times that the hope represented by Easter helped sustain Christians whose faith was tested by far greater difficulties than this. Focusing on eternal truths reminds us that the troubles we’re facing are temporary.
Religious faith is a valuable tool at this time. Let us use it to counteract cynicism and negativity. It doesn’t mean we should wait for a miracle. Rather, it should guide and inspire us to do what is necessary to protect our neighbors and ourselves and to help the many who are in need due to this crisis.
Even and perhaps especially at a time like this, the promise of new life is evident for all in this season of spring. May the hope of a brighter day ahead be an inspiration to all, and the example of Jesus of the Gospels brighten our world by inspiring the service, sacrifice and love he exemplified by giving of himself so fully.