Easter! But, why that name? Easter from Eostre a Saxon goddess Her celebration is the at the Spring Equinox. Easter for Christians is a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus. Passover known in Latin as ‘pascha’ and in the adjective form “Paschal.” Collect One O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect One The Collect for the day is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The Image is one of sinners thus saved. RCL A B and C all include from John 20:1-18 concerning Mary at the grave “When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.” The readings from all three lectionary years revolve around the resurrection. Collect Two O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect Two This is one of three Collects for Easter, it alone uses an image of darkness to light in its resurrection / salvation image. None of the selections in any of the three years use the light / dark image or the adoption motif. Both are found in other parts of the scriptures. The adoption image is used in Paul’s letters as an explanation of the nature of salvation through Jesus, Ephesians 1:5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,..” Collect Three Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect Three The image in this collect is the open gate to life everlasting and the joy to be found through that gate. The readings for RCL B reflect this in the selection from Isaiah 25:6-9 “he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces” All three years A b and C use Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – “17 I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the LORD. “ Resurrection. What does it mean? Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:34-43 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles Acts continues the story of the Gospel according to Luke from the resurrection to the time of Paul’s appearance in Rome. The first part through today’s reading has Peter as the main player. In the latter section to principal figure is Paul. The book is attributed to Luke by tradition and while scholars disagree it was written between 67 AD. And 80 AD. It is the story of the growth of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome over a short period of time. Luke’s interest in the details of history and the people, places and travel presents a rich view of the early Church. The Conversion of Cornelius Today’s reading is a part of the conversion of the first gentiles. Cornelius, was a centurion of the Italian Cohort, an angel spoke to him in a vision and he sent two trusted men to find Peter. Peter also had visions in which he was told not to call profane that which God had made clean. Just as the vision ended the servants of Cornelius found him. The reading for today is the address of Peter to Cornelius and the other gentiles. Context The story starts with the Church confined to Jews in Israel and relates the growth of the Church first out of Israel to Samaria. Paul the former persecutor of the Church has been converted but is not yet active. Peter, is led by a dream to Cornelius, a roman centurion and gentile. Peter resists the call to a gentile but obeys. Today’s reading is Peter’s address to the household of Cornelius and is a ‘quick sketch’ of the story of the Gospel. The Controversy One of the early issues that had to be settled in the Church was whether one could be a Christian and not also be Jewish. The appearance of the Holy Spirit among gentiles in this reading and other incidents will lead in Acts 15 to the decision that gentiles could be Christians and need not convert. In context for today in the Gospels salivation is announced by the resurrection to the disciples and here it is spread to the world! Significance Acts tells us, that as these words are spoken that Peter and other circumcised people with him witnessed as the Holy Spirit ‘fell upon all who heard the word.’ We don’t know what they saw that was so unmistakable. But Peter declares that baptism cannot be withheld. Peter then stayed with them for several days. First, Acts makes clear that God was the motivating force in reaching out to gentiles. And, Peter by staying with them indicates unmistakable approval. This will be significant for the decision to come in the Church on reaching out to those rowdy gentiles at Christ Episcopal Church Little Rock. The Resurrection of Believers Finally, we concentrate today on the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is to be the ‘first fruits’ and believers will share in the resurrection. The where, when and how are mysteries In some traditions believers already live in the kingdom of God. In others, this will not occur or will not be complete until the parousia or second coming. Jeremiah 31:1-6 At that time, says the LORD, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the LORD: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Jeremiah 31:1-6 Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: "Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God." Introduction to Jeremiah Jeremiah was active between 627 BC and 587 BC. The material of the book is not in chronological order and may have started as a collection of shorter writings. The Hebrew text and the Greek text of ancient versions have substantial differences. The prophet Jeremiah was much concerned with rewards and punishment for which judgment must come. However, Judgment in Jeremiah will ultimately be replaced by a new and more enduring relationship with God. The Book of Consolation Much of Jeremiah is concerned with the doom that Israel was to suffer for its evil and disobedience. Our reading is from the section dealing with restoration in Chapters 26 to 35. The Oxford Annotated superscription for these verses is “The joyful return of the Exiles” History The details of Jeremiah for today’s purposes are not important. The nation of Israel by 586 had been defeated. The leaders and much of the population carried into exile. The message for the day is that no matter how bleak things may look that resurrection is coming. For Israel resurrection meant restoration of the nation, for us, rescue from the consequences of sin. Resurrection in the OT In most of the OT the concept of Resurrection meant the renewal of Israel after the return from the exile. Some apocalyptic writings such as Daniel [12:2] when speaking about individual resurrection add a mystical aspect by describing the resurrected as ‘shine like the brightness of the sky’ – or lightening and flaming torches Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Introduction to Colossians The letter was written late in Paul’s career, and its authorship is questioned by some. The recipients were non-Jewish Christians dealing with problems from unnamed teachers who posed a threat to their faith. The main theme is the change in a believer’s life as a Christian. The reading itself deals with reorienting one’s entire life around Christ. The arguments are presented as series of contrasts such as things now hidden that will be revealed. Context The writer asks his audience to keep a heavenly prospective for the present. The hidden is already known to believers but will become known to outsiders. The thought here is like other expressions from Paul that believers can gain perspective on life’s issues and problems by keeping focused on the Heavenly and not the unpleasantness at hand. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Confitemini Domino 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever. 2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
"His mercy endures for ever." 14 The LORD is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation. 15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Confitemini Domino 16 "The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!" 17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD. 18 The LORD has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Confitemini Domino 20 "This is the gate of the LORD; *
he who is righteous may enter." 21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation. 22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it. Text Notes A part of this Psalm was an alternate for Palm Sunday. This psalm is a liturgy of Thanksgiving for a King’s victory. The speaker is a king who has come to the temple to offer thanks for a victory. “Let Israel say, etc.” - These are probably actual directions to various groups in the congregation. The ceremony starts outside of the Temple. The king asks to be admitted at the temple gates. V-20: A voice from within replies that only the qualified may enter . The king answers that God had borne witness to his character by delivering him The rejected stone comment is frequently quoted in the New Testament . Unknown Bulgarian Icon Painter, The Resurrection of Christ, 1675-1700
Tempera on linen and wood, 24 x 18 cm, Pinacoteca, Vatican
From the Byzantine liturgy: "Christ is risen from the dead, by his death he has vanquished death, and to those who were in their tombs he has given life."
Christ in glory is treading upon the gates of hell, thrown off their hinges and flung to the ground.
Christ is flanked figures of the just, such as King David (with the crown), Moses, and Saint John the Baptist
Adam and Eve rise from their tombs, symbolizing the redemption of the whole of humanity. Caspar David
Friedrich,
Easter Morning, 1833
Oil on canvas
43,7 x 34,4 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Three Marys at the Tomb, 1308-11
Tempera on wood, 51 x 53,5 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena Hubert Van Eyck, The Three Marys at the Tomb, c. 1425
Oil on wood, 71,5 x 89 cm,
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam Claude Lorrain, Landscape with Noli Me Tangere Scene, 1681
Oil on canvas, 84,5 x 141 cm
Städelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt Tilman Riemenschneider,
Noli me tangere, 1490-92
Limewood
Parish Church, Münnerstadt
A fragment from a dismantled altarpiece; probably originally gilded. Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalen as a Gardener, 1507
Oil on oak, 55 x 39 cm
Staatliche Museen, Kassel Piero della Francesca,
Resurrection, 1463-65 This Italian Renaissance artist was fascinated with geometry and structure. Note how many triangles are used in the composition. This is not a narrative picture, but an image that shows Christ as a triumphant warrior, with flag, conquering death represented by the tomb. Note the trees on the left have no foliage, whereas the ones on the right do, symbolizing new life. Mural in fresco and tempera, 225 x 200 cm
Pinacoteca Comunale, Sansepolcro Titian, Polyptych of the Resurrection, 1520-22
Oil on canvas, 278 x 122 cm, Santi Nazaro e Celso, Brescia
Left: Patron Altobello Averoldi, with the patron saints of the church, St Nazaro and St Celso John 20:1-18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached John 20:1-18 the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:1-18 Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, John 20:1-18 but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. John 20:1-18But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. The Text First day refers to Sunday The empty tomb symbolizes an actual resurrection, not mere immortality. The person referred to as the ‘other disciple’ was younger and is thought to be John Jesus' body had escaped without the linen wrappings being unwound. The cloth, which had been wrapped about Jesus' head lay apart, still rolled up. “Believed” means that he had grasped the evidence that Jesus had not been resuscitated from a swoon, or stolen; he had been transformed without corruption into his resurrection body. Gospel Parallels There are four Gospels, from four different points of view. Each with slightly different details about the discovery of the resurrection. But: All agree that the women first approached the tomb to prepare the body. All but Luke agree that Mary Magdalena was the first to encounter and know Him. All agree that the tomb was provided by Joseph of Arimathea. Mark 16:1-8 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, Mark 16:1-8 "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mary Magdalene who she was and was not. . .! Mary Magdalene is one of the inner circle of the followers of Jesus in the Gospel narratives. Her name suggests that she came from Magdala a city on the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene is mentioned sparingly but at crucial points in all four Gospels. During the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, she is depicted as watching the proceedings and waiting near the tomb to attend to the body. There are romantic portrayals of Mary as a devoted follower whom Jesus had saved from her errant ways. However, there is no evidence from the Gospels that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. There is no evidence that Mary Magdalene was the women who anointed Jesus' feet. There is evidence that Mary Magdalene was healed of seven evil spirits by Jesus. But this is in the context of a list of women who were followers of Jesus, who had also been healed, and who supplied the material support for his mission. Mary Magdalene and the women In John, Mark , Matthew and Luke She is one of the first witnesses to the resurrection scene. There is general agreement that she along with other women were taking spices to prepare the body. Matthew places the women first but omits a purpose or mention of spices. Does the role of women in the resurrection seem odd? The society was very paternalistic, and the general role of women was not great. A crucial message of the faith is the resurrection, why mention women as the primary witnesses? Women in that area and time were not allowed to testify in court! Why do four Gospels each with different views about women, portray the same sequence? Eastern Orthodox Church Maintains that Mary Magdalene had been a virtuous woman all her life. There is a tradition that Mary Magdalene led so chaste a life that the devil thought she might be the one who was to bear Christ into the world, and for that reason he sent the seven demons to trouble her. According to Eastern traditions, she retired to Ephesus with Mary, the Mother of God where she died. Editing The Gospels maintained this order and sequence even through periods when the interests of the Church would have been much better served by simply taking the women out! Was this moment so important that the writers and later editors were afraid to change any part – even though it would be better to simply leave them out? Matthew 28:1-10 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. Matthew 28:1-10 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." The First Witnesses All agree that the first witnesses were the women. Two of the four state that the first was Mary Magdalene. The women were about the very practical – proper care for the body after the Sabbath. Why, in that day and time, let your first witnesses be female? What did they see? Right out of the OT Daniel 10: 1- 10 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision. 2 At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks. 3 I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris), 5 I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground. The others say white clothing and one ‘dazzling’ only Matthew uses lighting from the OT. The Easter Event The earliest written account is in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. It took some time before people were able to sort out the fact that Jesus appeared to his followers alive. The ‘appearance’ stories emerged over time and were collected in lists, and then written. The delay was that they were at a loss to explain the events. There were other explanations, but the ‘resurrection’ model persisted and absorbed the other ideas. IV. Of the Resurrection of Christ. Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man's nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day. BCP 868
