For weeks, people have been debating about whether or not Easter will be canceled. A little like wondering if Christmas will come this year, the Easter celebration of life over death, love triumphing over hate, hope overcoming despair, Easter arrives.
You see, Easter happens every Sunday. That is why Christians worship on Sunday, instead of on the Sabbath. Because every Sunday Christ is Risen. Easter can’t be canceled—it can’t be stopped from happening every week. But the feeling that missing out on the special music, the brass quintet, the Alleluia’s and the Lilies and Tulips seem to mean we are missing Easter. The loss is real.
Although we may not be together on Sunday, especially in this time of physical distancing, of caring for our neighbors by staying apart, of struggling to figure out how to gather, worship, and connect through the internet, we still have an opportunity to identify what is essential to be church. The short answer is Easter, resurrection, and proclaiming this amazingly good news.
To be the church we must go out and Easter the world around us—sharing the bounty of God’s love with the world. While we stay safely in our homes, we can Easter by calling one another, sending notes and cards, bringing extra food to the church for the Food Pantry and by spending time with God in prayer.
Whether we are gathered in the Crawford sanctuary this Easter or not, the rest of the world will know about Easter if we live out the good news. When we say “Christ is Risen. Christ is Risen, indeed. Alleluia!” we mean that in the midst of this pandemic there is good news for all including those who are homeless, hungry, sick, for those that are in prison, in violent relationships, living with addictions and mental health challenges.
Because God offers us hope, we offer have the opportunity at Easter to share our hope with friends, neighbors and strangers alike. During this season of Easter (50 days long), let’s spread the spirit of hope and life and love with everyone God brings to mind and all those who cross our paths. That will really be Easter!
“See” you on Sunday,
Hope