Easter 2026 | Stones
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body.” Luke 24:1-2
Is transformation possible? On that third day, the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb expecting to find a stone blocking their way. Instead, they found an open entrance. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James brought spices and oil to anoint a dead man. Instead, two angels appeared; the body of Jesus was nowhere to be seen.
Often our anticipation of death, defeat, and endings gives way to God’s plan for life, resurrection, and new beginnings. Because I follow the One who was raised from the dead and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, I believe that transformation is not only possible – it is promised.
Where others see insurmountable barriers and immovable boulders, people of faith see the possibility of God’s glory revealed. For this we go to the grave singing, “Alleluia.”
Each of us encounters seemingly unyielding stones: loss or illness, disappointment or depression, oppression or exploitation, grief or separation. Circumstances unimaginable become all too real, too heavy.
On this Easter, as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, as we sing of the stone rolled away, may we hear the testimony of angels: “Death does not have the final word. Christ is risen. Transformation happens.”
Alleluia!
When have you faced an insurmountable obstacle? What happened?
When have you experienced transformation? What changed and how?
How do you experience hope in circumstances that leave you bereft and afraid?
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Morning has broken on the dawn of redemption. Reconciliation has been won. Death has been defeated. Surely nothing is impossible with God. The stone once blocking access to our Lord has been removed forever. No longer can anything separate us from the love of the triune God. Transformation not only is possible; through Christ’s resurrection, transformation is inevitable. Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Jesus Christ is risen today! Amen.
Thank you you for journeying all the way to Easter with us. And thanks to Jill J. Duffield for allowing us to adapt from her book, Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects.