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Living as Easter People

On the evening of this Easter Sunday, we watched Risen, a 2016 film starring Joseph Fiennes as Roman tribune Clavius and Cliff Curtis as Yeshua (Jesus).  Although the film takes a number of liberties with the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus, I appreciated the way in which it depicted the disciples from a new perspective.  They are a bit uncertain about their future but when they are in the presence of the resurrected Christ they are playful, almost childlike, reflecting the demeanor of a laughing, loving savior.  Of course, in our “social distancing” context, it is good to see on the screen the hugging and joyous interaction among Jesus and his disciples.

Easter 2020 has passed, and we have been challenged to celebrate it in ways that we never have before.  No packed churches, joyous choirs, rich pageantry, or family gatherings this year. Even so, we need the message of Christ’s triumph and presence among us even more than in past years.  So what kind of people will we be on this side of Easter?

I think we can take the disciples depicted in the film as a model.  Despite uncertainty and challenge, we can once again become childlike in our faith, putting our trust in a God who is best seen in God’s loving son.  Although we have never walked this path before, the Risen Christ is with us and He calls us to rejoice. He also calls us to care for one another, encourage each other, and to provide for those who are less prepared to deal with this pandemic.

Times are challenging and the way is unclear, but as Easter people we continue to rejoice daily in God’s love and provision.
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