EASTER SUNDAY

Imagine Mary’s eyes, how they must have burned and stung with tears of frustration. Watch as she wipes at them softly at first and then furiously, emotionally wrung out and yet seething with something beyond pain. They had taken him, they had murdered him, and now his body was just past this stone they had rolled into place to keep her away from him. How quickly must her eyes have widened and then squinted almost completely shut as she shielded them against the bright light before her. Listen for the sound of Roman armor slamming into the soil, the dust kicking up as the men collapsed at the sight. Then a pause, and then…

“I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

Come and see.

Come and see the empty tomb, Mary who breathlessly cries out to Him, “Rabboni!”

Come and see, Mary, mother of James, who collapses at His feet in worship.

Come and see, Cleopas, whose heart burns in the presence of the resurrected Christ.

Come and see, Simon, whom Jesus renames Peter, and who insists on a death worthy of his Savior.

Come and see the holes in his hands and his side, Thomas, so you know the price paid for you.

Come and see that your brother is Lord, James.

Come and see, 500 others who look upon Him and believe.

Come and see, Saul, killer of Christians, and be transformed into Paul, the great Church Father.

Come and see, teachers, that He was the law you so love.

Come and see, preachers, that He is the Word made flesh.

Come and see, history, that the flow of time is bent around Him in a triumphant arc.

Come and see, death, that your sting is final no more.

Come and see, believer, that you were purchased for a price will be welcomed home.

Come and see, skeptic, the pierced hand still reaching out toward you today.

Come and see the place where he lay. Let your eyes rest where he once did, but don’t linger. He didn’t.

Go quickly and spread the news. Tell them the truth of His word that you’ve read and the miracles you’ve seen in your life and the lives of others. Wherever you walk, wherever you work, invite them, with your kindness and generosity, and with the honesty in your eyes that shines amidst any circumstance, to come and see.

He is risen.

––––––

Crown him the Lord of life,

who triumphed o'er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife

for those he came to save;

his glories now we sing

who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.