Happy Easter 2025
Mary Magdalene seems traumatized and distracted by grief. Days prior she witnessed the brutality of the cross. Mary was close enough to hear the final breath escape from Jesus’ beaten lungs, and to watch the moment his head slumps in death. In the wee
hours of that first Easter, Mary makes her now famous discovery that the stone sealing Jesus’ body in the tomb, “had been removed from the entrance” (John 20:1).
As the waves of grief wash over her, and the sense of loss accumulates, utterly shocked Mary presumes Jesus’ corpse is missing.
The gospel places Mary, “weeping outside the tomb” (20:11). Theologian David Ford observes that Mary, “repeats her agonized cry of loss again and again—to the disciples, to the angels, to Jesus.”
Perhaps, this is the entry point that allows the Easter story to tell of its’ “wonderful words of life.”
Deep in our souls, we can identify with Mary’s loss. We too know, what it is like to lose someone or something precious to us; the death of a partner or a family member; the loss of a classmate or colleague; the demise of physical ability or financial security.
Loss even comforts us in joyous times of new homes, changing jobs, or graduating from high school. There are numerous moments when we stand as, Mary “weeping outside the tomb” (20:11).
In the Fourth Gospel, the Easter narrative unfolds, where each person sees progressively more than the one that
came to the tomb before them. Mary sees “the stone had been rolled away from the entrance” (20:1).
The first disciples to arrive sees “the strips of linen” (20:5).
Peter sees what the disciples before him sees and “burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head” (20:7).
Upon Mary’s return to the tomb she sees, “two angels in white” (20:10),
but more importantly, she sees “Jesus standing there” (20:14).
Jesus’ compassion cuts through Mary’s loss and tear-stained eyes with a double-question, “’Why are you weeping?
Who is it you are looking for’” (20:13)?
Such questions can guide us in our spiritual journey from the way of the cross towards a meaningful Easter. What causes your heart to weep? Who are you really seeking?
In "The Moment of Truth" author Samuel Wells writes, “Easter is drenched in tears.” On Easter, there is a steady stream of tears from the collateral losses we endure. On Easter, it is possible for tears to flow freely “outside of the tomb” (20:11), because
the Risen Lord calls you by name.
Devotional writer Kathy Escobar shares in 'Turning Over Tables', “Easter reminds us that we need help beyond ourselves and that there’s room for all of it—the doubt, the joy, the fear, the peace, the reality, the possibility.” Escobar notes, “Resurrection is not born out of ease, comfort, and status quo. It comes out of death, trouble, discomfort, dissonance. But the Easter story reminds us that it’s always coming—again, again, again, and again.”
This Easter, I look forward to my first Easter with the Kenmore United Methodist Church (April 20th @ 10am).
The music will be extraordinary. The Easter message will be honest about our loss, yet hopeful as the power of Easter surges through our veins. As one of the Easter people living in a troubled world, renew your commitment to embodying peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, grace and beauty.
Easter Blessings,
Pastor Nick Perry
