“It is finished.” With those words Jesus breathed his last and gave up his spirit. Darkness came over the land and fear and despair filled the hearts of the disciples. Everything seemed hopeless because their teacher, their master, the one they believed to be the Messiah - God’s own anointed Son - was dead upon the cross.
Yet, on the third day light blazed forth from the empty tomb. Darkness was banished and the power of death was broken. The disciples found hope and joy that was beyond anything they had ever known before because Jesus was alive.
Right now it may feel as if our world is only filled with darkness. Poverty, mental illness, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and all types of prejudice, hatred and indifference cloud hearts and minds. War in many countries. Politics and suspicion divide us. Yet, just as on that first glorious Easter, the hope and power of Jesus Christ shines through it all.
Whatever your pain, whatever your despair, Easter reminds us that the power of God’s love is greater. This is our true hope. In Jesus Christ we find new life and new possibility … new purpose, and direction. And so, we rejoice and raise our voices with all creation, singing “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!” for Jesus Christ is risen.
