On a warm Spring morning, flowers are making their first glorious appearance of the season, while trees nearby begin to show forth buds which will soon open to new life. A few pollinators fly around desperately seeking nectar as their hives open once more to the outside world. In the distance, a songbird joyfully sings of resurrection and a new dawn. The sun shines brightly into the creation, and a breeze blows gently, touching all who have come to experience the hope that swells with Easter celebrations. There is barely a cloud in the sky, and those that are above dance along gleefully and quickly. On the ground is a little rock, waiting to be playfully kicked and moved by a child, serving as a reminder of a great stone and an empty tomb. In all corners of the earth, altars stand at the ready in cemeteries, forests, parking lots, along streams, and even on the Mount of Olives. It is time for all that which God has made and redeemed to gather in worship. In a measured breath, one can suddenly feel a sense of renewal.
Many moons ago, three women approached a tomb at daybreak. They were grieving and scared. Still, the sun shone, a gentle breeze blew, and a songbird sung in the distance to the new dawn. The beauty of this morning was lost on them, as their minds were focused on the grim task at hand. They had come to anoint their beloved Lord. But alas, the stone had been kicked aside and warmth had replaced the chill of the grave. Each let out a gasp in stunned silence. Then, in a measured breath, an angel spoke words of renewal into their wounded souls, even if the women struggled to comprehend. These were to be the first witnesses and messengers of resurrection and new life. Their horrifying moments of extreme fear and confusion are remembered by us through the ages as the greatest experience of joy and peace ever shared between God and humanity. Thus, on a warm Spring morning, centuries removed from that empty tomb, as flowers make their first glorious appearance of the season, the story of these three women is recounted yet again, and a universe of hope is opened once more to the outside world. On these days, as the sun rises in all corners of the earth, the words of the angel echo across cemeteries, forests, and streams… HE IS RISEN! He has indeed…and a new day has dawned. Amen.
-Rev Jeffrey G Mikyska
Experience the Trinity 