Ann Barker, Feast of the Resurrection, March 23, 2008

“He is not here; for he has been raised.” In Matthew’s narrative, the joyous news of the Resurrection is delivered by an angel to the two Marys who come to the tomb to see Jesus. The other resurrection stories differ in detail, but the news is the same. Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, died and was buried, has been raised from the dead, not just resuscitated as Lazarus was, but resurrected by God to a completely new kind of life after death. This new life became possible only because Jesus willingly died on the Cross to save us from sin and death and reconcile us to God. Because of its far-reaching effect, the Resurrection did not just happen to Jesus; it happened to us all; it happened for the whole world. Now it is possible, as Peter says, for anyone in any nation who believes in him and does what is right to inherit eternal life. Resurrection faith is not just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well. It is not just for those who witnessed Jesus alive after the resurrection but for those whom they told and for all who seek Jesus in any generation. Resurrection faith is about a continuing encounter with Jesus, the crucified and resurrected one, and the life that ensues from that ongoing relationship. It is not about an intellectual construct or adherence to a set of rules or even unshakeable faith that permits no doubts. It is a gift from God, which we can take certain steps to receive. The angel’s words to the women give us suggestions about how to be open to God’s gracious gift. The angel says “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.” Sometimes it is frightening to receive a gift we do not understand. Perhaps the gift will not meet our expectations and we will be disappointed. Or maybe it will require something of us we cannot give. Some of us are sure news that seems too good to be true always is, and others are afraid that somehow we could not possibly qualify even though the gift is for everyone. Whatever our fears, the angel says, we are to seek Jesus in spite of them. The women would never have seen if they had not come looking. (P)

Then comes the news that Jesus is not where they think he is because he has been raised; they are invited for a quick glance at the empty tomb. Resurrection faith is a gift of relationship, not a matter of proof, though Matthew was eager to provide definitive proof. The earthquake, the angel, the guards paralyzed in fear, the stone rolled away, are all to convince us that God has really raised Jesus, but that is not their only purpose. If resurrection faith were about proof, then the guards would have the same proof the women did, but they did not become Christians. Instead, they accepted bribes from officials to say that the disciples came and stole the body away because the officials did not want the real story to get out. (P)

Resurrection faith has to include continuing relationship. The angel wants the women to see that the same Jesus who died is the living Christ, the Messiah, God incarnate first in human and now in resurrected human form. (P)

The angel moves past the empty tomb very quickly to the heart of the message, which is go tell the disciples that Jesus is going to Galilee and will meet them there. In other words, don’t linger at the tomb, trying to explain this. Receive the gift and go share it.

In addition, the angel offers another proof of continuing relationship. Jesus is resurrected but he is still who he always was to them. Before his death he told the disciples he would meet them in Galilee and he is still saying that. Jesus is not a ghost or a phantom, but a real live person, capable of encountering his friends with love and continuing in relationship with them. The angel urges the women to go quickly, to get on with the business of telling the story, and they move fast. On their way out, they meet Jesus, prostrate themselves before him and take hold of his feet, which were solid. Jesus repeats the message about going to Galilee and meeting him there. (P)

Only a few people encountered the risen Christ before he ascended to the Father. But many more received their testimony. Resurrection faith is about seeking Jesus, accepting the gift of his Resurrection in human form, and going and telling. The women told the disciples, who went to Galilee, where Jesus sent them into the world to baptize and teach.  (P)

Acts gives us a powerful witness from Peter, who tells the story as he experienced it. He preaches boldly the good news of Jesus’ incarnation, his empowering by God, his teaching and his deeds, his crucifixion and his resurrection. The witnesses who ate and drank with Jesus after his resurrection were called to spread this good news as far and wide as possible. History shows that those apostles embraced their calling with joy and passion. Most were martyred because their testimony led so many to receive the gift of resurrection faith. (P)

The first and second generation Christians heard witnesses to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection speak the gospel powerfully from their own experience. Even Paul, who was not one of Jesus’ original disciples, has a divine experience, an encounter with the risen Christ that gives him the same call as the other disciples. But what about us? We cannot hear from Peter’s own mouth his witness to the risen Lord. We can read it in the Bible, but for many of us, it is not the same thing. How do we hear testimony that will open us to receive the resurrection faith? We hear it in the community of faith. If we are open, we will encounter the risen Christ in Word and Sacrament and through hearing other people’s witness. If we desire this gift of faith, we will receive it through the witness of our fellow disciples, not because they have seen the risen Christ in the flesh, but because they too have encountered Jesus in the power of the Spirit. (P)

Resurrection faith is about asking Jesus to come into our lives and be in relationship with us as he was with his first disciples. It is about seeking Jesus in the tombs of our lives and hearing him tell us not to be afraid. It is about talking to him and listening to him in prayer and meditation. It is about worshiping him as Lord, in faith and in doubt. Then it is about responding to his call to witness ourselves, not by proving that the gospel texts are word for word accurate, but by sharing with others how Jesus has touched our lives. It is about seeking the things that are part of God’s kingdom, living into our faith as God would have us do. (P)

“He is not here; he has been raised”. For those who live the resurrection faith, in continuing relationship with Jesus, the risen Lord, and in love for one another, these words are the gospel – the core of our faith, the joy of our hearts, the meaning in our lives. We live in love, forgiveness and compassion as Jesus did, not just because we read the Bible and extracted from that how to live a “Christ-like” life, but because we have a relationship with Jesus that guides and directs us throughout our lives. We expect to meet Jesus in all the ordinary places of our lives – our Galilees – and are empowered by him to share with others. The gift of the Resurrection is for everyone, and we are all called to share our relationship with Jesus with others. May the joy we experience this Easter fill us and overflow into our lives, so that we can witness to the Resurrection, saying in word and deed every chance we get: “He is not here; he has been raised.” AMEN.