“He is not here; for He is risen…”
AN INVITATION TO GO AND TELL
At dawn, the grieving Marys arrive at Jesus’ tomb as a violent earthquake announces the descent of a lightning-white angel, a dazzling being who rolls back the massive stone and sits upon it, paralyzing the terrified guards. To the women, the angel offers assurance and speaks invitation, “Do not be afraid…Jesus is risen…Come and see...then go quickly and tell….”
Filled with joy and fear, the women begin to run. Then, suddenly, Jesus himself is before them. “Greetings!” he says. The women rush to Jesus, falling to clasp his feet and worship this beloved one whom they saw die, crucified. To these astonished friends, Jesus echoes the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers…” And off they hasten, rejoicing.
On this Easter day, the risen Jesus speaks to us, along with the whole host of heaven:
Do not be afraid. Go, rejoicing, and tell.
The wintery days of fearing and fasting are past.
The feast of Christ’s resurrection is here.
Let us go, rejoicing, and tell!
“Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth,
bright with a glorious splendor,
for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.” (Book of Common Prayer)The air is like a butterfly
With frail blue wings.
The happy earth looks at the sky
And sings.(“Easter” by Joyce Kilmer)
the green of Jesus
is breaking the ground
and the sweet
smell of delicious Jesus
is opening the house and
the dance of Jesus music
has hold of the air and
the world is turning
in the body of Jesus and
the future is possible(“spring song” by Lucille Clifton)
So do not be afraid. Go, rejoicing, and tell:
Alleluia. Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!