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Putting Flesh and Bones on Easter

On a lovely warm spring day when buds are emerging on trees, and tulips and daffodils are in bloom; when those we love are near; and when we feel vibrant and alive, it isn't too hard to affirm the resurrection.  When all is well in our world, it isn't too difficult to proclaim that God's love is stronger than the powers of hate or to affirm that love can renew life even in the face of death.

But what about the other times?  What about when your world has fallen apart: when you are wounded and in pain?  When you have been let down or let go or betrayed by someone you trusted?  What about those times of gut-wrenching grief?  What about the days of disillusionment and despair?  On days like that, talk of resurrection seems to be foolish and naïve; the misguided belief of those who ignore the hard truths of reality.  

As we look forward to the Christian festival of Easter once again this year, are we just fooling ourselves?  Are we simply abandoning ourselves to a fairytale story?  Does a celebration of the resurrection require that we turn a blind eye to all the injustice, suffering and pain in the world?

As you read this resurrection account from the gospel of Luke, it is clear that he is not writing a fairytale.  While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Jesus said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. (Luke 24:36-42)

Luke takes great care to emphasize the way in which the disciples come to believe in the resurrection.  There are no fantastic miracles, no amazing tricks, no special effects.  Instead, Jesus appears to the disciples as ordinary flesh and bone - he shows the marks of crucifixion; the wounds in his hands, feet and side.  The risen Christ engages them in familiar activities; speaking words of peace, eating and conversing with them.  The risen Christ becomes real to them through touch, in words and expressions of peace, in eating, talking and reflecting.   

Today, in our Easter celebration of the resurrection, we meet the Christ who cannot and will not be shut out of our lives and our world. We gather trusting that even in the midst of suffering, despair, and fear in the world, Christ comes among us and opens a way for light and healing, for hope and new life to enter.   In our celebration of Easter, we too are called to embody resurrection truth as part of our everyday reality; to put flesh and bones on it, so to speak. Because celebrating the resurrection isn't just a few Easter dances and a couple of sung hallelujahs.  Celebrating the resurrection is a lifelong commitment to join Christ in bringing new life to a wounded world in the daily lives we lead. It is a commitment that we make in our life together as Erin Mills United Church.  It affects everything from the welcome we give to newcomers to the way we speak to each other; from the care we give to those who are sick or in pain to the use of the building, our finances and the property; from the partnerships we create with the larger community to the way we deal with conflict, and the challenges that we are willing to undertake. 

There will be days ahead, when as a congregation and as individuals, we will rejoice and dance. Days when we see that God's gifts of life are growing as people live with love and respect in God's creation.  There will also be days shadowed by violence, grief or despair.  The good news is that in days of dancing and joy, Christ dances with us and affirms God's promise of life and strengthens us to live into that promise.  And in days of pain and despair, Christ is also with us, affirming God's promise of life and strengthening us to live in that promise.  The truth of the resurrection, the truth of Easter is that whether we are rejoicing or weeping, nothing can separate us and our world from the love of God in Christ. Alleluia!

Peace, Kathy Toivanen

Numerous people have inquired about events to celebrate Kathy's ministry and upcoming retirement.  Planning is underway for special events to be held in June and September. Look for specific dates and information in the Easter letter from Joanne Hines, the Leadership Circle Chair.  Watch for more information in future Communiqué newsletters, the Friday Message and on the EMUC website.
 

   Laura Macro, Sylvia Arnold, Barbara Jennings (Steering Committee Members)