Easter Sunday, April 5

Matthew 28: 1-10

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[ and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Remember the stone that was sealed with wax? Remember the extra guards at the tomb? Pay attention today. When the Marys arrive at dawn on the first day of the week, Matthew tells us the tomb is still sealed. That wax remains in place. The guards are at their posts.

But then an angel descends. The earth quakes with the ancient power of the creating God. The guards look upon the fearful specter and faint in fear.

The angel informs the women, though, that Jesus is not in the tomb. He has been raised. Note that the stone doesn’t roll away and Jesus does not step out of the tomb (as is depicted in the RCPC Easter window which is sadly not anywhere in the Bible). Jesus is raised from the dead even while the guards keep watch and the wax holds the heavy stone in place. He doesn’t need scary angels and earthquakes. Resurrection is not a film directed by Michael Bay with chase scenes and pyrotechnics. Resurrection comes on its own power and in its own way.

There is great hope for us in this scene. The power of God cannot be stopped by any power or force. And the power of God does not meet force with force, violence with violence. Resurrection undercuts all the militarized power Rome and the chief priests can muster. It happens by its own authority. Jesus cannot be kept dead.

On this Easter day, then, rejoice brothers and sisters! The power of self-giving love cannot be stopped! The voice of peace reigns supreme and does not need weapons to keep order! Love rises from the dead and the earth shakes with its potential. So let us run ahead to meet the Lord. Let us commit to his way that no earthly power can control or destroy. Live in hope. Love one another. Give your lives away. We have been saved!

Prayer: We praise you, O God,

You are the Lord of all - time, space, earth, plants and animals and people.

Your presence is known not in grand displays

But in the dark resurrection of your Son.

We praise you that in him we know the truth about the world.

We are free to love you and one another.

We have hope that your way is the only way worth living.

We live in faith with each step that because of Easter, our sins are forgiven, our lives have purpose, and the world will come to a good and gracious end.

Thank you, O God, for your tender care and powerful love.

Amen.

-The Rev. Andrew C. Whaley