April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43 First Corinthians 5:6-8 John 20:1-9
Sometimes it is the simplest things that speak the loudest. A shy smile can cause our hearts to leap. Eyes puddling with tears become salty bridges between two souls. A child nestling into our lap for story time restores order to a crazy world. A wave hello, a kiss blown from afar, a cookie shared, a friend with whom to lament a loss, a stranger who pulls over to help fix a flat, a cool wipe on a feverish brow, …all simple actions…yet powerful in their fundamental quality. On simple things we build our lives and together seek our dreams amidst infinite possibilities.
Thus, it should come as no surprise that on Easter morning we are once again offered an image of basic, yet powerful, simplicity….NOTHING! There was NOTHING there! The grave was empty. The early-rising women and questioning disciples no doubt double-checked to make sure they were at the correct tomb. They probably reassured themselves that they had seen Jesus’ wrapped corpse being consigned to the darkness. But now, NOTHING! No BODY! Nada! Nothing!
On Easter morning we are given the ‘exclamation mark’ at the conclusion of Jesus’ life. His journey, begun simply amidst an animal stall in Bethlehem, has been punctuated with powerful signs and wonders, miraculous healings, copious feedings, powerful teachings, tender invitations, simple signs and gestures. The water that became wine that became blood is the same simple water that washed the feet of weary disciples. Meager loaves of bread fed thousands, multiplied by the one who gives his flesh as bread to billions. The anguish of Friday’s cross, the pointless waiting of Saturday, all the things that scare and terrify us…amount to…NOTHING!
By any standard, this has once again been a rough year. Financial markets are yet to rebound, quick solutions are not at hand, uncertainty and fear have been inflamed, doubt is abundant, trust is scarce, betrayals and disappointments have been proclaimed from bold-print headlines. Many have fought long and hard to keep Jesus in the tomb with the stone securely blocking its entrance. Despite the best of their efforts, this morning, the stone is displaced and the tomb is empty. There is NOTHING there!
With all our theologizing and high-minded formal ritual…the ‘between your eyes’ message of Easter awaits in the simple emptiness of the tomb. Nothing!
It’s so simple it’s comical, it’s so clever…it can only be of God.
For those in relationship with Jesus, what is there to fear in this world? Nothing!
What is there that can hold us back from our dreams? Nothing!
What stands in the way of our happiness? Nothing!
What can keep us from God’s love? Nothing!
What is there we cannot achieve? Nothing!
What is impossible to God? Nothing!
What is impossible for us? Nothing!
What can keep our hearts from healing? Nothing!
On Easter morning…NOTHING becomes the most powerful SOMETHING in the world!
Happy Easter!
Our Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community is enriched by your presence amongst us this morning, thank you for coming and celebrating Easter with us! The crowds are a bit larger than usual this morning, in the spirit of Easter; please make sure you introduce yourself to those around you. A reminder that while it is a festive day…. the food and beverages need to happen outside, after Mass….please, no food, no drink, no gum during! Thanks! Bulletins await you as you depart, while Lent is now behind us, our parish life keeps right on humming along, please accept a Bulletin so you can stay in the loop. As you gather later today with your family and friends, as you return to the workplace or classroom tomorrow, as life tries to hold you back or convince you of what you cannot do…remember, there was NOTHING in the tomb….and with the grace of Easter, there is NOTHING you cannot do! Happy Easter…and remember, you are loved. FKB
