Easter Day, the Feast of the Resurrection- Colossians 3; John 20

He is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! (Mark 16:6; Luke 24:34) With these scriptural words or similar phrases, Christians have greeted one another for almost two thousand years. The greatest Christian celebration has finally arrived. The primary Gospel in the Book of Common Prayer is St. John 20:1- 10. This passage makes clear how surprising and important Christ's Resurrection was to the first disciples. Believing in the empty tomb and bodily resurrection of Jesus are essential affirmations for being a faithful Christian disciple. 

The Epistle from Colossians 3. 1-4 applies the reality of Christ's Resurrection. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

In these words, St. Paul applies the meaning of the historical reality of the Resurrection to the lives of believers. First, Christians have been incorporated into Christ's Resurrection. This has taken place through Baptism and faith; believers have died to their old sinful ways and risen to new life in the Lord. (as explained by the Apostle in Romans 6). Secondly, being raised with Christ means that Christians seek "those things which are above." Believers are to look heavenward because Christ is now at the Father's right hand. As a result, Christians do not set their affection on earthly things. We live in a new and different way because we believe that Christ will return to lead His followers into glorious realms. 

So Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection, is multi-dimensional for those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Yes, there is a unique and glorious event at the basis of the church's celebration. Jesus of Nazareth conquered death and arose to life in bodily form. He showed us His true nature as the divine Savior. He could not be destroyed by the powers of death and evil. And because He lives, He can offer us new and eternal life with Him!

Trinity XXIII- Citizenship- Philippians 3:20

On the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity, the Scripture readings emphasize the appropriate attitude of believers to secular authorities. Many passages of Scripture point out the general duty of Christians to be law-abiding whenever they can in good conscience. Even corrupt governments may provide some degree of order and security. However, human authorities do not have ultimate authority; only God does.

In today's Epistle from Philippians, the Apostle Paul reminds Christians where our highest loyalty is. In Philippians 3:20, he writes, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (BCP/Coverdale, NKJV, ESV). As Christians, we look to heaven and divine rule. We seek to apply our earthly citizenship within the higher context of our heavenly citizenship and our loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ.    

Sunday after Ascension Day- Colossians 3:1

In reflecting upon Christ's Ascension, a verse that the Prayer Book tradition assigns to Easter has always seemed to have a meaningful application to the Ascension. That verse is Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Christians have been united with the risen and ascended Christ through Baptism and Faith. And because of our unity with Him, we have been offered a new perspective. 

Although we remain in this world, we should have a heavenly focus through our risen and ascended Lord Jesus. The difficulties of earthly life are real, but Christ has already overcome them on our behalf. That means that we have a new heavenly perspective on ourselves, other people, and worldly events. We have confidence that divine goodness triumphs through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Intercessor. As the collect for this Sunday indicates, we pray that the Holy Spirit may "exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before" (1928 BCP, p. 179).