He Is not Here, but Has Risen!

A new week (and a new creation) dawns with an empty tomb! As a handful of Jesus's faithful women followers arrive to anoint his body, they first discover the good news of the risen Lord. Two of Christ's angelic messengers point them to Christ's word, thus jogging their memories of the promise of resurrection. Their mourning is turned to joy as they rush to announce the news to the rest of the disciples. Sadly, their testimony isn't received well (though Peter's actions hint at a hopefulness that would banish his guilt). Later in the day, as two disillusioned disciples travel away from Jerusalem, they meet a stranger who turns out to be Christ himself, calling them again to his word and promise. Their cynicism is overwhelmed by the living Christ and they return with haste to those gathered in Jerusalem. Like these troubled but faithful disciples, let us seek the risen Christ by learning from his word and promise, that our guilt, cynicism, and sorrow may melt away in his presence!