FROM THE RECTOR – April 10, 2020

One of the main focal points of the traditional Passover seder is the maggid, the telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. This story begins with the youngest person at the seder asking the Four Questions, the first being “Why is this night different than any other night?” This and the other questions provide the impetus for telling the story.

As we approach this Easter of 2020 we may ask much the same question, “Why is this Easter different than any other Easter?” On the surface the answers are simple. We are not gathering with family and friends for time honored traditions of egg hunts and family meals; of Easter Sunday with flowers and drums, trumpets and organ; of Easter bonnets and springtime best; of voices raised and hands uplifted to receive the bread of heaven and cup of salvation.

Why is this Easter different..? Maybe because we are given the opportunity to hear the story uncluttered by so much that often gets in the way. Matthew’s Gospel reminds us, the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; 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…”

Maybe, just maybe, this Easter will be that time when we can reflect in quietness and simplicity on the power of that simple message, “Do not be afraid.” The power of the risen Jesus is among us and within us. Wherever we greet this Easter morning it is our new day. For it is by the power of Jesus’ glorious resurrection that death has been destroyed; that and life and immortality have been brought to light; that our new life in him has begun.

Yes, we long for the time when we can be together. We look forward to hearing the shout of “Alleluia. Christ is Risen.” with its thunderous response, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia..”; to joining our voices “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”; to tasting the bread and drinking from the cup. But until that time may we all rejoice that the power of the resurrection is not diminished because this Easter is different than others. It is given new life and meaning as we hear it in new and more powerful ways.

Let us pray:

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: help us in the midst of those things that jar the normality of our lives to see that in the resurrection of Jesus everything has changed; that even death itself no longer has power over us. As we celebrate with joy the day of Jesus’ resurrection, may we live lives of faith and hope empowered by God’s life giving Spirit. May we be the Body of Christ in ways that are transforming for ourselves and the world. All this and more we ask in the name of Jesus your risen Son.  Amen.