Clarity to See Hope in the Midst of Confusion and Despair

We are living in anxious and trying times, yet humanity’s cruelty through fear, violence and control will never be the final chapter. The Easter story begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem and turning over the tables of those who were profiting from the people who were celebrating the religious holidays of the season. Jesus was sentenced to death on a cross because he exposed the selfish behaviors of those in charge and offered a path of hope and self-giving love. This year at St. Ann’s, we look at the Easter story through the eyes of Jesus’s good friend, Mary. Mary stood by the foot of the cross and wept as Jesus breathed his last. Mary couldn’t sleep the following night and wanted to be with her friend so badly that she couldn’t even wait until sunrise. She headed down to the tomb where they laid Jesus’s body with some spices to finish the burial preparation. Things were dark and everything seemed out of place at the burial site. Where was the stone that was protecting the tomb? Did robbers get in and steal the body of Jesus? Mary felt numb and confused after the death of her dear friend. Mary was one of Jesus’s closest friends and she loved Jesus with all her heart. Have you ever felt that everything was out of place and wonder how we could possibly have gotten where we are? Mary goes to Peter and John to try and sort out what has happened. She gets their attention and they run immediately to the tomb. When John, the beloved disciple, saw the linen that had covered Jesus’ body folded and the cloth that had covered his face rolled up and laid aside, he knew the truth that Jesus had risen.

In my experience, faith more often comes in the present and real truth of God’s love than through theology. John, the beloved disciple, went back with Peter knowing God’s love was present and never-ending. He could feel it deep in his soul, even if he did not fully understand. Mary is left weeping outside the tomb when Jesus appears to Mary and asks her why she is weeping. Mary mistakes him for the gardener, but when Jesus calls her by name, Mary immediately recognizes him and cries out his name. After Jesus departs, Mary announces to her community, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18). Jesus will appear to many witnesses who will tell the world that love is the answer. Easter morning gives us clarity to see hope in the midst of confusion and despair. Jesus teaches us that there is life after death in the resurrection. As my wife and I join the community of Block Island, we hope to join all you good folks in living life abundantly, by loving and caring for one another in these trying times that we live.

In Christ’s love,

Rev. Duncan Burns, Priest in charge

Saint Ann’s-by-the-Sea