“The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared . . . suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.’” Luke 23:55 – Luke 24:5

Just when you think your world has ended, God breaks in, surprising us with hope, life, peace and healing. Just when you think your heart will never heal, God breaks in, changing everything.

Easter shatters our perception of what is.  It asks born pessimists to rethink their world, and dreamers to grab hold of  new possibilities. It shakes the boundaries between life and death, rattling our understanding of the world, we thought we knew.

Easter tells the powers of this world, not all is as expected. Not even death by Roman execution on a cross, is the final authority.

Christ crucified knows our deepest personal anguish, our desolation, and knows the deaths we have lived. Christ who goes before us, sees a future full of promise, in the life-giving power of Resurrection living.

*Walter Brueggemann says of Easter, “Easter is the power that says you do not need to grovel in despair at the failed places in your life any more.”

On Easter we celebrate the God of life, who turns darkness to light, overcomes evil with love and insists on being a part of our lives. The One who finds joy in journeying with us. We celebrate the Risen Christ who walks with us whatever we face today, or will tomorrow.

We celebrate Jesus who searches for us in our wandering moments and calls us to adventures in following him. The One whenever we are frightened, whispers to our heart, “Do no be afraid. I am with you.”

Easter shatters death’s power over us, with its resounding message, that because Jesus lives, we and all who are precious to us, can live also.

*Quote is attributed to Walter Brueggemann