Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.-John 20:19b-20Lent is so dramatic. It begins on Ash Wednesday, and then we had seven weeks to reflect, to examine our lives, our brokenness, and our mortality. We go through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday -- full of depth and meaning and even drama. And then Easter hits. And then it's done. Or at least that's how it sometimes feels.
Actually, it's not done. According to the Christian calendar, Easter is a season -- 50 days long -- and not just a day. We usually don’t celebrate Easter as a season. We have one busy Sunday, a few more days of chocolate eggs and jelly beans. But then it's back to normal. I have often said, “Things will slow down after Easter.” Life will return to ‘normal.’ Why does this happen?
Lent is easy to live with because it seems so real. It's easy to see brokenness and alone-ness in our lives and in the world, so it's easy to reflect on the stuff we're supposed to be reflecting on. But it's different with resurrection, or it least it should be. We don’t want life to return to ‘normal.’Easter is filled with the message of the power of new life, of death's defeat. Jesus triumphs over his death and ours, and it's a day full of gladness. So we sing with all the joy we can muster. We're full of alleluias as we get into the spirit of the day. "Christ is Risen!" I knew I was having a good Easter when I felt the Spirit of God stirring in my heart. Resurrection seems true – It is possible to imagine that life can be different. That passion week has ended.
Easter is not a one-day transformation experience. We do experience little bits of new life growing in our souls; but it's never a complete transformation. We sing about resurrection but know that we're not there yet. For all our Easter joy, we're still the same people that we were during Lent. My uncle died. People are still hungry, and sad, and struggling with painful relationships, agonizing decisions, and a thousand other things. Easter is a life lifetime event, so are the Promises of Easter.
We can see signs of the resurrection in the lives of those around us and in our lives. Substance abuse rehabilitation is a success, a struggling marriage has a new foundation, forgiveness has been extended and received, a job was gained and there are other places where you have experienced the resurrection again. Alleluia, Christ is Risen.
Another sign of Easter is when someone announces his or her call into ministry. I celebrate and give thanks unto God, as my son, William M. Williams, III preached (at the 8:30 service) as a person who has begun the process for ministry. I ask that you pray with William and for him, as he lives out his faith and his call. Son, I want you to know that y0ur mother and I are proud of you.
Hallelujah, Christ is Risen!
Pastor William
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