Sunday Worship - Easter Sunday
Welcome to our worship in Leesfield Parish on Easter Sunday. Our church services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. All are most welcome to come and join us in praise on this most holy day in the Christian calendar.
If you're not able to be with us in person, the Gospel reading, a reflection, prayer and a couple of joyous Easter hymns can be found below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Jesus Christ is Risen Today"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 28:1-10 Jesus has Risen
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Reflection
Happy Easter everyone!! I’ve chosen Matthew’s account of this glorious day for our reflection. It isn’t as detailed as the other versions, but in some ways that gives us more to think about.
I’ll focus on the interaction with the two Marys, (Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James). We should bear in mind that, although Jesus had repeatedly told his followers that He would rise again, that was not the reason why they went to the tomb. In fact it was probably the last thing they expected to see, after all they had seen their Lord crucified and buried only a few days before. No, they were at the tomb out of an act of pure love, empathy and devotion. They were there to anoint Jesus’ dead body with expensive perfumes and spices purchased by Salome who was also present.
As they arrive, there is an enormous earthquake caused by the appearance of an Angel from heaven. Such was the nature of the earthquake and the entrance of the angel that it rendered the roman guards unconscious. But not the two Marys. Although the angel told them not to be afraid, I suspect that was exactly how they felt. Then the angel removes the stone from the tomb and says, “Come, see the place where he lay.” Matthew’s gospel does not go into detail about what happens in the tomb and the garden, but please take time to read John’s gospel for this.
Matthew next describes how the Marys felt, “They left with fear and great joy". It’s almost a throw away comment, but just imagine for a moment what must have been going through their minds and how their emotions would have been in turmoil. Yes fear; amidst earthquakes, bright angels, and the body of their Lord gone! Then, the news from the angel that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Everything Jesus had been telling them was true – He is the son of God. What overwhelming Joy must have filled their hearts!
Then to top everything, Jesus appears in person. Absolute and irrefutable proof that He is risen indeed. But in this version from Matthew, Jesus appears to be almost nonchalant. He says to them, “Greetings”. As it is described here, it’s almost like an everyday, “hello” as if to say, “Hey what’s the big deal, I told you I’d be back didn’t I?” The Marys recognise Him immediately and are overcome with bliss at His loving compassion. They are compelled to touch His Holy feet and worship Him. We can only imagine what outright delight must they have felt.
It is a message of joy and delight for us too on this most Holy of days……. God keeps His promise to all of us. It is a message of love, hopefulness and forgiveness. It is the truth that: God so loves the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). That is worth celebrating, not only on Easter Day but every day. Happy Easter! Paul
