Reflection by Rev. Kathryn Snelling, Deacon
Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:1-6, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 28:1-10
You would have noticed that for this Easter, we have several choices of scripture readings, even two for the Gospel. I chose this particular telling of the story from the Gospel of Matthew because I really like the images
Of course it begins in gloom - Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary are returning to the tomb, the same place where they saw Jesus‘s body being laid to rest, and they fully expect to find it just as they left it. The body of their beloved friend and teacher sealed in the tomb, secured behind a large stone.
But then the sudden turn of events, the earth shakes and an angel, clothed in dazzling white descends from heaven.
The soldiers that the Pharisees had sent to guard the tomb fall back and faint from fear.
The Angel rolls the large stone away from the opening of the tomb and sits on it.
That’s an image that I particularly like and perhaps it’s the angel trying to help calm the women but more than that. I think it speaks that that’s the only usefulness for this stone - a perch. For it certainly did not keep Jesus in the tomb, in fact, it didn’t need to be rolled away for Jesus to be out of the tomb he was already gone, but it was open for the women to see and the other disciples and he says, “do not be afraid I know who you’re looking for, he is not here for he has been raised from the dead, as he said he would - come and see”.
And then the angel gives them a charge: “Go tell his disciples that Jesus is raised from the dead and he will meet them in Galilee”.
And so they start out. And they are truthful - they still feel fear but also great joy. Joy welling up inside with this wonderful message they have to share.
And then Jesus meets them on their way. With a simple “Greetings”.
They recognize him immediately — run and wrap themselves around his feet.
And he says to them, “Do not be afraid”. But this is not, “be not afraid of me”, as they obviously are not.
Rather, do not be afraid, but go and tell MY BROTHERS.
Go, my sisters, and tell my brothers to go to Galilee and there they will see me.
That message really has not changed much in the two thousand plus years since it was first relayed by these women.
We too, are to not be afraid but to go share the good news of Jesus crucified and risen!
The good news of a love so unimaginable, so unfathomable — a love that is offered to all.
I love that he tells them to go to Galilee. The place where their life with Jesus started.
I think that we, too, are called to go back to the beginning. Called back together, as we retell the story. But also individually. Back to whatever shore of Galilee where you began your journey with Jesus. And if you have not begun your journey, He will meet you wherever you are on life’s road. As He continues to meet us as we journey through this life and spread His love in the world.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Easter is not a single day, but a way of living.
Every act of kindness, of love , of mercy, is an Easter Moment.
We live as Easter People, living out our promises to love and follow Jesus in His Way of Love.
So I invite you to turn to page 292 in the Book of Common Prayer and together let us renew our Baptismal Vows.