the people in Luke’s community in their day were a lot like us in 2023.  We come from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and cultural reference points, just as they did.  Many of us are from other places.  Some of us grew up in the Church and some are new to faith.  And all of us are trying to navigate a very complex social, economic and political landscape.    All of us share a common spiritual longing.  We all want  to make meaning of our lives and to find what is enduring, what is life-giving, what is foundational.  

I’m still not tired of hearing that. Christ is risen my friends, the tomb is empty! I believe this Eastertide that Christ, having died and been buried, rose from the dead on the third day. Not just in spirit, not as an allegory, and not just in the hearts of his disciples. But I believe that Christ Jesus truly rose from the dead, body and all. Christ is truly risen. Alleluia.

Now, if you’re still not entirely sure about this resurrection business, or aren’t sure that you fully understand what exactly it means, that’s okay, today is the Sunday for you. And I’ll add that the very fact that you are here is a testament to your faith, or desire to grapple with faith, even if that faith seems utterly incredulous at times.

No matter how you found yourself here this morning, welcome. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. God is making all things new.

Believe it or not. It’s all true.

If, by chance, you’re not sure of that fact -if you find yourself doubting what Christians profess on Easter or wondering whether it even matters at all -well, that’s fine too. You are not alone.

Much of what we profess in here is not readily apparent out there. This too is true. And, although what we profess at Easter, and carry with us throughout the year, is relatively straightforward –Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again –it also happens to be the greatest mystery of Christian faith. It’s meant to cause us a bit of confusion. It’s meant to be wrestled with. After all, it turned the world upside down, or, rather, right side up.

This is the unshakeable foundation that we build our lives upon and gives our lives meaning.  Whatever losses we experience, we know that Christ died once and for all so that we would not be overcome by grief and despair.  When someone we love dies, Christ is there, offering us life.   When a cherished relationship goes through dark times, Jesus is with us, holding the light.  When we lose a job, or don’t get into our first choice for college, or go through any disappointment or hardship, Jesus is there reminding us that we belong to him and he belongs to us.  We are marked as Christ’s own forever.  Through baptism, we have an unbreakable bond with him and with each other.  Tonight we join with the heavenly hosts, choirs of angels, and all creation as we proclaim the eternal message of Mother Church.  Alleluia!  Christ is risen.  The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia! 

We gather on this most holy day to enter into the meaning of the passion and death of Christ. That meaning is, in its way, profoundly simple. We’ve heard it before.

“Behold!” says John the Baptist as he sees Jesus coming toward him for the first time. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29-36).

The crucifixion of Jesus, the Christ, the very Lamb of God, redeemed the world from sin. In so doing, it brought the immeasurable love of God to “the farthest and darkest place in which humanity has been trapped in its flight from him . . . death [in all its forms].”

Having our feet washed and washing one another’s feet is an essential part of being a follower of Jesus.  In a few minutes, everyone will be invited to come to the center of the circle, to wash and be washed.  When we are the one who washes, we are taking the role of Jesus, lowering ourselves, stooping down in humility and service to others.  You may not even know the person whose feet you are washing tonight.  It doesn’t really matter whether they are your dearest friend or a complete stranger.  We serve others, regardless of who they are , whether we like them or not, whether they like us or not, whether we think they are worthy or unworthy.