The power of God
Right now, there is so much to fear because of the COVID-19 pandemic: our economic situations, both personal and global; the health of the vulnerable in our households and on our streets; the state of our hospitals and the stress on our health care workers.
We fear this virus and what it will force us to endure. What consumes our thoughts are suffering and death and the pain of not being able to be present with those we hold most dear in hospital rooms.
We see the relentless headlines. We are experiencing the loss of normalcy, of ritual, human company, social gatherings.
We must put off weddings and funerals. Much is sacrificed to this pandemic. We make grim pilgrimages to graveyards, and we are afraid of what might be lurking in the days yet to come.
Yet today, we Christians celebrate Easter. Think about the persistent people of faith you know when you read the Easter story.
Now, this Sunday of all Sundays is about the power of God, the promises of God, the victory of God and the saving grace of God. This Sunday is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the defeat of sin and death, the glorious revelation and that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, just as he said.
Today is the day we shout, “alleluia!” Today is the day we put flowers everywhere and break out our finest clothes and wear lovely hats, bring in the trumpets and ramp up the choir.
Yes, to all of that and more. After all, Christ is risen!
Our Pastor Cousin Thomas Sweet pointed out four good reasons to celebrate Easter service online in the comfort of your own space this Easter: You don’t have to worry about finding a good parking spot, you can refill your hot beverage cup whenever you want. You can wear whatever and no one will know and you can mute the pastor’s sermons. In light of these times we need some joy and hope, and Easter provides just that.
Bring on the joy, the hope, the celebration of life and a renewed belief in the power and possibility of our God. Nevertheless, give a nod to Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other unnamed women who first did the work that love and faith requires. Consider the faithful who prepared the spices, got up before dawn and went to anoint the body of the one they loved and lost.
Remember for a moment the people of faith who tend to the details of death only to be overwhelmed with the reality of resurrection life.
Believe them when they tell you their testimony, describe what they’ve seen. At least let their seemingly idle tales propel you to go and find out for yourself what God has done.