“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5b

These words, out of the Gospel of Luke, share with us the reason we celebrate Easter together. As the women and disciples searched the tomb for Jesus, a couple of angels shared this good news with them. The resurrection of Jesus showed the world that the powers of sin and death no longer have their grip on us. The resurrection is why the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, “Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” As disciples of Jesus, we share in Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death. Easter shows us that the power of sin and death in this world no longer defines us. Instead, we, as Christians, experience the power of resurrection and redemption.

Today we find ourselves in an especially difficult time with the COVID-19 outbreak. It has forced many of us to isolate at home, while many others are working on the frontlines, and some are in care facilities separated from loved ones. We strain to see an end to this and maybe also struggle to feel God’s presence. Many of us feel completely overwhelmed by our current challenges and find the whole experience jarring. Yet, Easter reminds us that God can breathe new life into even the darkest and most desperate of situations. May we especially cling to the hope that comes from the empty tomb and the power of resurrection.

As of now, we do not know when we will gather together again. Current stay at home orders run through May 1, but circumstances between now and then will change. How we gather will be different, so we ask that everyone remain flexible as we try to discern the best path going forward.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to talk and pray with you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tom