Rochester, MN UCC - "Christ has Died. Christ is Risen!" - Matthew 28:1-10

It is easy to get swept up in the drama of Holy Week-the intimacy of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, the dark reality of human sinfulness revealed in the crucifixion, and the joyous victory over death made real in the resurrection of Jesus. As engaging as this story is, it is important to remember that it's not only about events that happened some 2,000 years ago; it is also a story about us.

 We too are Jesus’ disciples. Jesus also offers to wash our feet- to grant us God’s grace and love in each and every moment of our lives. We are beloved and we are forgiven. We too are a part of sinful humanity. We play a part in the injustice, cruelty, and violence of the world made so clear in the crucifixion of Christ. Yet our sin and our shortcomings, even our fear and our death, are embraced and overcome by Jesus. Finally, we too await new good news and new life. The risen Christ returns not only to the women and the disciples but also to us. We are forgiven and we now share in new, eternal life with God in Jesus Christ. The events of Holy Week happened then and they also happen now.

 Christ has died. And Christ is Risen! May we always remember that the grace and forgiveness, the love and new life, which Holy Week brought into the world is meant for us. We are beloved and forgiven and led into the very life and love of God. Let us celebrate this good news this weekend and let us live out this truth with joy and courage in all the days to come. Amen!

 Pastor Andrew Greenhaw