God is here to share the gift of Easter with us all

The demolition has started. The front steps at First Presbyterian Church fell victim to the jackhammer as concrete was removed, one chunk at a time. The steps are being replaced and the roof over them updated. A project of this type takes coordination, money, time, and people who understand what the larger purpose is. Practical experience helps, along with courage to try new things.

The timing, right before Easter, added an interesting twist, because everyone was wondering what may be hiding underneath the steps. Were they solid, or was there a vault? As it turns out, the steps were poured decades ago at ground level, with dirt piled up underneath. As we proclaim with Easter joy that the stone has been rolled away and, “The Tomb is Empty.” it does look strange to have the front of the church building dug up.

At one point, those steps were new and they served the church and community very well for a long time. Gathering for Sunday services, or funerals, or weddings, thousands of people walked up and down those stairs. But over time and with stresses of seasons, the concrete cracked and the metal railings rusted. It reminds us that in our world, everything has a beginning and an end. As one thing finds completion in this cycle, another thing finds a start. The Easter message, that Jesus died and Christ arose, is the archetypal image of the pattern God places in creation. Jesus shows us how to live in the depths of joy as we give divine love creative expression. The diversity and multitude of life on earth shows the power and abundance of God’s creative purpose. As the blueprint for living, the Jesus Way promises redemption, renewal, and resurrection.

Liturgical churches follow traditions which have developed based on biblical understandings and interpretations. The season of Lent, for example, is a period of forty days, plus Sundays and Holy Week, which help prepare us for Easter joy. The weeks of Lent draw us alongside stories, like Jesus in his temptations in the wilderness, and the interactions he has in his journey toward the cross. On Maundy Thursday, Christians gather to remember Jesus’ suffering in prayerful anguish in the Garden, along with other stories such as his washing the disciples’ feet as one humbled in loving service, showing us what community looks like. He shares the Last Supper gathered in the Upper Room. Many churches recognize Good Friday, as Jesus is put to death by crucifixion, a common execution practice in the Roman Empire used for intimidation and control. Holy Saturday marks the time Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, and vigils are not uncommon.

But on Easter, on Sunday morning, the Lord’s Day, Christians celebrate the Resurrection as Jesus overcomes death with abundant and restorative life eternal. In the Gospel According to John, it’s Mary Magdalene who is first to witness the Risen Christ. She doesn’t recognize Jesus at first, and once she does, he tells her, “Don’t cling to me,” as she weeps tears of joy.

So often we prefer to cling. We have our ideas, our doctrines, practices, and beliefs. Our ego-centric views hold fast to what we can define or describe, while that which doesn’t fit is often rejected or viewed with negativity. The Resurrection is an invitation to a larger life, one which is Christ-centered, drawing us out of ourselves. The gift of divine love is intended to expand, grow, include, and welcome. Indeed, all creation sings the glory of God. As faith guides us, trust develops as experience leads to deeper wisdom and a larger awareness of the Living Christ in the world. Like Mary at the tomb, we too are invited to learn the art of letting go, even as we’re sent to share many ways God changes everything.

Maybe Easter means tulips and daffodils, or bunnies and chocolate. Springtime rituals with roots in fertility observances are common in the northern hemisphere. Easter egg hunts seem all the rage, and are fun for kids. But new life in Christ is as easy as accepting a gift, and as difficult as shedding our ego’s desire to consider ourselves separate and superior.

Easter joy involves giving God permission and room to work in our hearts. The light of God’s love casts out fear. As Jesus promises that the meek shall inherit the earth, may we, like Mary Magdalene, in humility and simplicity ask God to help us take the steps toward a higher awareness, a deeper trust, an inclusive love, and the unending joy of resurrection faith in the Living Christ. Receive the gift of Easter, for God is as close to you as your next breath.

A most blessed Easter.

Pastor Andy Kennaly is pastor at First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave., Sandpoint. He can be reached at fpcsandpoint.org or by phone at 208-263-2047.