The prophets promised it, Jesus told them to expect it, nonetheless the first witnesses, traumatized by the violent death of Jesus, were unable absorb that Jesus was no longer dead. In the midst of their grief and confusion, it was difficult for the disciples to grasp that Jesus had risen from the dead. Mary in her weeping wondered who took the body. Assuming the body had been stolen she ran to tell Simon Peter and John. They ran to the tomb, confirmed the body was gone. We are told John believed. But they returned home. Mary Magdalen, returning to the tomb, in her sorrow mistook the risen Christ for the gardener. Mary the first witness to the resurrected Christ, told the disciples, but it was weeks before they began spreading the amazing news we hear Peter speak in the Book of the Acts “They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day.”
We need not judge ourselves harshly for how hard we might find it to grasp the resurrection. Our lives too bear the weight of grief and trauma, fear and confusion. There is much evidence that sin and death continue to hold sway in the world. Christians speak of the resurrection tentatively, hardly with the certainty expressed by Peter.
Over the next several Sundays we will read of numerous encounters between the risen Christ and his followers. Encounters with the resurrected Christ transform Peter. The man who once denied even knowing Jesus, became an early and very public witness of Jesus as Lord. Fearful men and women, gain nerves of steel, confusion and doubt are replaced by certainty and confidence when the risen Christ is encountered.
Over 100 generations have passed since that morning outside the tomb when Mary Magdalen encounter the risen Christ. They have passed on the faith by showing us ways in which they encountered the risen Christ. They have passed on to us reliable eye-witness accounts in scripture. When we prayerfully read and reflect on these texts, the Holy Spirit can illuminate the words, bringing us into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ person and work. We’re not just reading about Jesus, but encountering his living voice and presence through the inspired words of scripture.
Past generations have taught that prayer is a direct line of communication with God. Through intentional and heartfelt prayer, we can encounter the risen Christ in a personal way. Praying not just when we gather, but throughout our days, is vital. Prayer using formal words handed on to us, our own words, or simple silence unite us with the risen Christ.
For us at St Barnabas, the Eucharist is a central means of encountering the risen Christ. Believing that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, hold in faith that partaking in this sacrament is a direct participation in Jesus’ resurrected life and a powerful encounter with him.
Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there among them. Authentic Christian community, marked by love, fellowship, and mutual support, is experienced by many as a place where the risen Christ is present.
In his life and ministry Jesus identified himself with the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the marginalized. When we serve others in his name, demonstrating love and compassion, we encounter Christ in those we serve and experience Christ’s presence in our own lives.
Just like Mary outside the empty tomb, we too can encounter the risen Christ in moments of personal transformation, spiritual insight, or profound revelation. These can be unexpected moments where God’s presence becomes strikingly real. During our beautiful Easter Vigil service, as the altar was transformed from the barrenness of Good Friday to what we see today, I looked up from my seat after the last candles were lit and I felt a shiver run down my spine. And I thought, it’s true, he is risen. I felt lighter, less burdened by sin and death and responsibility. I felt joy. It’s important to approach these avenues with an open heart and a posture of faith, trusting that the risen Christ desires to be known and encountered by those who seek him. These encounters may not always be dramatic, but they can be deeply personal and life-changing, strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to the living Lord.
Like the early disciples it may take time for the resurrection to sink in and take root in our thoughts, words and actions. Like the apostles we must die to our doubts, fears, need for certainty. Our confidence in believing may wax and wane. But the promise of growth and maturation of faith is assured through the promise of the Holy Spirit in our baptism. The Holy Spirit is the presence of Christ indwelling believers. Encounters with the risen Christ happen through the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing conviction, comfort, guidance, and a deeper awareness of God’s love. We respond to the promised gift of the Holy Spirit with our own promise. On this Easter morning, we turn individually and as a community toward the baptismal font as we renew our baptismal vows.