One of the most memorable Easter sermons I ever heard preached had nothing with Good Friday and the complexities of who killed Jesus and why. It didn’t mention the empty tomb or celebrate the renewed presence of Jesus on Easter morning. It didn’t really have much to do with Jesus at all. It was about Easter Saturday and what the people did in the time in between.
Really, it was about us, and what we do with the overlooked but, oh, so important time in between tragedy and triumph.
Easter Saturday: the metaphorical day after loss. The day when the pain is raw and fresh, and we don’t know yet about the joy to come. During the time in between we can’t see joy. We can’t see how it will take form in our lives. We look to the future and see more of the same.
The preacher of this sermon urged us to remember the Easter story during difficult times. When we survive the initial shock and turmoil and find ourselves in the desert of grief that follows, we can keep the flicker of hope alive.
Be watchful. Look for it. Joy will come with the dawn some Easter morning.
Thanks, Arlene. A great analogy. Easter Saturday is an “awkward” time between the times. A time of pain without the certainty of resolution. We Christians don’t like that. We think that our faith does away with all pain and uncertainty and (above all) doubt. No more doubt. But Easter Saturday is still with us. Indeed we live “between the times”. Blessings.
Yes, I think it’s healthy for Christians to move away from expecting immediate relief or dispensation from pain because of their faith. That is definitely a welcome change.
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Very true Arlene, thanks for saying it so clearly.
Thank you!
Lovely reflection, Happy Easter Happy Springtime of your heart!
Thanks, Elizabeth. May the weekend bring you joy.
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All things are possible with Christ. He has shown us the way. Excellent article
I prefer to take an ecumenical view of things, and I’m far more comfortable with an “All is One” view of the universe. Most things are possible, with a little effort on our parts. Thanks for the comment.
No, thank you for correcting my perspective will order my speech accordingly.
🙂
We’re all on a journey together. I’m aiming my steps in the most compassionate direction I can. Keep visiting my blog. I appreciate the feedback.