Sunday: Alive!

And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. – Matthew 28:7

We gather early Sunday with balm and embalming, to bring close to the body.
waiting for the smell but not; 

dreading the withered site . . . but not;
cringing before love lost . . . but not here.

Not here . . . but risen,
gone, awakened, Alive!

The new creation stirs beyond the weeping women;

O death . . . no sting!
O grave . . . no victory!
O silence . . . new song!
O dread . . . new dance!
O tribulation . . . now overcome!

The joyful morning has replaced the sorrow. 

And we, we shall dance and sing, thank and praise,
into the night that holds no more darkness.

... and our song shall ever be - ALIVE!

What a treat to spend this devotional time this week and reading through the story of Easter. This story outlines the new life to be lived by the community of Jesus. The words we’ve read, on one hand, show us that Easter life is dangerous and demanding. On the other hand, Easter living is an existence of joy and well-being that culminates in praise and thanks. 

Practicing Easter life continues to be risky because it contradicts the deathly commitments of our world -- one devoured by greed, anxiety, and violence. A practice of Easter life continues also to be one of joy, as attested to by contemporary witnesses who are freed of ancient fears and live by Jesus' command that we "love one another."

Take heart this Easter morning. Jesus is alive and because He lives … we can face tomorrow in strength, unity, and purpose … now go tell everyone, Jesus is alive. No one is removed from this message of hope, love, and joy. His grace is welcoming, his love unending and his tomb is empty. Jesus is ALIVE!