Christ has risen, he has truly risen! Jesus Christ, having made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our sins, has been raised from the dead. He has atoned for our sins and conquered death. Neither death nor sin have the final say any longer. We are a people redeemed, pilgrims of hope on a journey to new life. We gather today in joy in this holy place to hear the testimony of his earliest disciples, to renew our baptismal promises, and to partake in the Eucharistic feast and receive the Risen Lord.
Only three disciples are mentioned in John’s account of the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning. Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Where were the others? Perhaps they were hiding. They had every reason to fear being arrested and tried as accomplices, as associates of the man who had just been crucified. Perhaps they had sealed themselves off from the outside world as tightly as a tomb. They had to be raised from their despair. Only after they had been raised to their new life were they able to bear witness, to preach the Good News and to make disciples of all nations. We may not literally be in hiding, but we may be overwhelmed by the darkness, the dangers, and the despair in the world. Let us talk to God, who has the power to raise us from our tombs, to restore us to life, to lead us to new life in the Lord. Truly, this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!
Love, Peace, and Joy from the Risen Christ,
Carl, Patti, Mary Jo, Steve, Linda, Keith, Fr. George, and Fr. Bob
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