If I ever change gears in life through either retirement or a new calling, (I still think I want to give the astronaut thing a go), I will say I will miss preaching through the Easter season.
Each message and theme of Holy Week- from the celebration of Palm Sunday to the reflection of Maundy Thursday, the sadness of Good Friday, and finally the triumph of Easter, hold a special place in my life. Each of these events center me again in the truth and reality of what I believe, and the hope that other’s lives and our world can be different if we were to grasp hold and own the truth of the life, death and resurrection in each person. Easter makes ministry and life worthwhile.
After Easter, however, comes the saddest day of the year for me. (Please understand “tongue in cheek” firmly planted.)
During the Easter season, even more than Christmas, people come to worship- to remember and celebrate. Some come because they feel they should. Others because family wants them with them. A few are not sure why, but they still come. Activity is high, smiles are plenty and a joyful ambiance fills the air. Jesus is risen. Let us celebrate!
One week later, on the Sunday after Easter, life for many returns to the new normal. We fill Sundays with opportunities. Some opportunities are mandated, like work schedules which do not distinguish one day from another. Opportunities for kids for sports, community life, friends and other good things. Opportunities for families to spend time on things that are important for them. Opportunities to throw off winter, and begin to prepare for New England outdoor life in the sunshine. Opportunities to go back to a normal routine. The previous Sunday of Easter celebration becomes a memory of something to do next year.
The power and truth of the resurrection is something that lives with us each day, and as such, can be celebrated each day. Easter Sunday is the flag raised we can rally around. It is the symbol to which we can hold in our everyday lives when the image of Jesus grows dim, we are drawn in again to reality of Jesus in the midst of our everyday world.
I for one will always look forward to Easter and its visible reminders of our faith. It is where I plant myself. It is my hope and prayer that for all who took time out of their lives, for whatever reason they came, to join in the celebration; that each one would find a way of discovering and rehearsing the reality of the resurrection in their lives.
I look forward to Sunday, and each day. Jesus is still risen. I can still celebrate. I hope we each can find time to celebrate as well.