Easter – Resurrection of Our Lord
Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8
Mark’s depiction of the resurrection may fall a little flat. It is concise and almost devoid of emotion, except for verse 8, believed to be the original short end of his gospel. “Terror and amazement seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” It can be argued that the evangelist saved all the raw authenticity of human emotions for the very end. The reaction of the first witness of the resurrection is authentic because it is very real among even long-time believers. We usually react with amazement to the power of the empty tomb. Then we realize we are sent, vulnerable, to bear the gift to the world.
The uncertainty that may come with the enormity of the gift might have had a foothold in the early church in Corinth. Paul pleas for them to hold firmly to the good news “that Christ died for our sins following the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day” so that the gift of faith may not be in vain (verses 2-4). Even the unfit, like himself, are graced with his presence (9) and are sent to proclaim so others may come to believe (11).
Someone kept telling someone. So much so that in Acts 10, Peter declares that all who believe are chosen and empowered witnesses (40), not to proclaim themselves, but to preach the peace by Jesus Christ as Lord (36), the only one “ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead (42).”
Psalmist sings with joy!
“The LORD is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:14, 22-24, NRSVue).
Bridging Faith 