Sermon Easter Sunday

Scripture Matthew 28: 1-10

I start with a story – as I often do. This one is about a minister from the Salvation Army who was shaking hands with the members after the service. He noticed a man who rarely came to the church and in order to highlight his lack of attendance said “ Brother, you need to be in the army of the Lord.” The man replied “I already am”. The minister responded, “Well I never see you in church”. The man explained “Well you see I am in the Secret Service”

Right now – we are all are in a Secret Service.

It’s a new world for all of us. Things are changing around us quickly. We watch the news each day to see the updates and the numbers. We look to see what stores and facilities are open or closed. Our priorities are different. Things that seemed important are now just fleeting thoughts. Things we took for granted are central to our lives. Did you ever think you would have a discussion about toilet paper with so many people? Life is different

We’re not in Kansas anymore

How many people will name their dog TOTO after this?

The question is: What will remain after this is over?

The same question was relevant around the resurrection of Jesus Suddenly Mary and the disciples were in new world. They had watched Jesus transform from a local friend to a leader. They had travelled with him and seen his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and then been traumatized by his crucifixion. I am sure they thought everything was over.

Then came the resurrection. Everything they knew about Jesus, in fact everything they knew about life had been overturned. Death was not final.

How much of the new perspective would remain?

This pandemic has highlighted some inadequacies in our world. There are shortages in supplies and delivery systems. There are inequalities in whose job is really the most important. There are questions about what is truly important.

There is an on-line magazine called the Beaverton. It is a satiric look at life. Recently the article was entitled, “Has Doug Ford been infected with Socialism?” The point was a humourous look at how the hard and fast party lines have melted under this situation. Everyone is working together to bring relief to those most affected.

We have been entrenched in the status-quo for many years. The “bottom line” has been used as justification for consumerism and profit. Many decisions are made according to that line no matter how it impacts the people. Now in the midst of this Covid 19 we realize that some old world solutions do not work.

The same was true in Jesus time. There were many inadequacies in Jesus world; from the treatment of people; to the violence; to the social injustices; to the view of God. The status-quo was convinced if it killed Jesus then this movement would stop. They were not counting on a resurrection. The “Christian” movement continued. It continued because it was addressing the inadequacy in the world

I don’t believe that the pandemic was sent by God. In the Good Friday sermon I wrote that I did not believe the crucifixion was sent by God either, BUT – godly things can come out of it.

There are bad things like death, illness, loneliness, fear and anxiety that are were all present in the crucifixion. They are present in this pandemic as well.

But also Life came out of the resurrection. Not just the idea of “life after death” which can bring comfort but the knowledge of the freedom to live fully now. In this world.

Mary would be horrified if she was around today and saw crosses around people’s neck as jewellery or the many other ways the cross is used. In her day the cross was a horrible reminder of the pain and suffering of Jesus. Over time, that cross has grown to represent the hope of new life.

In the 1600’s during the Plague, people would place money in hollowed out stones full of vinegar. Farmers would come to town and trade the money for produce. The idea of the vinegar was to prevent the spread of the disease. Those stones now are a memorial to the horrible life that those people had to live and how they got through it.

Did the world stay changed after Jesus resurrection? Yes, Christianity is the biggest movement in world. It is the largest religion and virtually everyone has heard of it because it implemented the idea of love into society. People welcome genuine compassion and caring.

The world has changed due to this virus. The offers of help are constant. People are concerned about their neighbours. People are offering to shop for others. People are phoning strangers to ask if they are ok. There is genuine concern. Big companies are making amends and raising the wages of front line workers . Banks are trying to make payments easier. Communication companies are reducing costs Restaurants are giving away food to those risking their lives. There are many more situations of concern. People even wave back when I wave at them now.

Other changes are happening as well. People are finding out you can live more simply. We are able to work from home. Pollution is down. The list could go on.

Things should not return to normal

We will get through this.

Every resurrection recognizes that there was sadness and loss. It is only a resurrection because you are raised from something bad.

Every resurrection recognizes new life

We are discovering the resurrection of this pandemic

Goodness, kindness, sharing, caring, love

The same as Jesus resurrection.

The power of Love

May the power of resurrected life stay with us all.

Prayer

God, there are times when we live I the state of crucifixion. Times when we exist in the darkness of the grave. Covered by layers of death cloth. Times when we can’t see our way to any type of light.

At this time in our world there is much darkness and despair but there are also signs of hope. There are signs of resurrection.

As the disciples felt overwhelmed in their grief, so their joy was all the more joyous.

Help us to find the good, the positive, the joy

Help us to find the resurrection

In this world

In our lives

For others and with others

At this time we remember those who need special prayers……

God we give thanks for the resurrection of your Son

Help us to walk this day in the light of that victory. Amen

Our Father who art in heaven

Hallowed by thy name

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us

lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil

for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory

forever and ever

Amen