Easter- Resurrection Faith- John 20: 1-10

The Paschal Feast, the Feast of the Resurrection, or Easter is the high point of the biblical message and of the church year. The one who accepted terrible physical and spiritual suffering to save us from sin has risen from the dead to offer us new life, in this world and the next. Easter is the great dividing point in human history. The Resurrection is, among other things, the seal of divine approval upon the earthly life, ministry, and death of Jesus. It is the key event that transforms a band of disheartened and defeated disciples into faithful witnesses and ministers of the Good News. The whole New Testament is written from the standpoint of faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The apostolic writings are also written to inspire and strengthen that same Resurrection faith in others. 

In the traditional Books of Common Prayer, the first Easter Gospel from St. John 20. 1-10 refers to the importance of faith. The initial reaction of the women at the empty tomb and of the apostles who hear the women's report is not faith but fear and curiosity. When the apostles hear the first reports, Simon Peter and the other disciple (traditionally identified as John) run to see for themselves. Peter goes in first to see the grave clothes. Then that other disciple enters, "and he saw and believed" (St. John 20:8). The empty tomb is a real and important event. But acknowledging the empty tomb is only a first step. This first step must be followed by the second step shown by John; that is, the empty tomb demands the response of belief or faith. 

So on this Easter, may divine grace renew our faith. Let us accept with faith what the empty tomb tells us about Jesus. He is unique. He is not merely someone who has recovered from physical death. He has experienced Resurrection; He has conquered death. He has overcome the forces of evil, destruction, and death for all time, for all who truly believe in Him. He is the Word of God incarnate, the Messianic King, God the Son. By overcoming death, He has (in the words of the collect) "opened unto us the gate of everlasting life." Christ lives, and because He lives, we also may truly live in union with Him. Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed; O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.