Easter Sunday

I’ve written before of my struggles with images like this that are used when we wish people ‘Happy Easter’. Sometimes, we who believe post them on social media- accompanied by fonts so sickly sweet that Hallmark would baulk at putting them out- to tell others of our faith, often tongue tied in what to say but feeling we have to say something.

I’m leading an act of worship today. Each time I do so and read the various Easter accounts, I’m more confounded by them: the conflicting stories often don’t-initially at least-have actual appearances- white, blonde haired and blue-eyed Jesus in pristine robes doesn’t make an appearance saying ‘be happy: everything is ok!’. People who are there are invariably shocked, frightened, puzzled and even disbelieving. Most of the writing that follows in the rest of the New Testament has the shadow of persecution over it, and then the obvious: people who believe in the resurrection often don’t get on and are just as inconsistent as we are.

Maybe people post stuff like this as they crave a happy ending: I want a happy ending- I have seen too much sorrow.

I think the story of the resurrection is more a dangerous beginning than a happy ending. Maybe Easter art should be of a wild eyed, dishevelled Jesus in blood stained and dirty clothes with the legend ‘Easter: it’s more dangerous than you think.’  

‘But it’s Easter- cheer up!’ Yes, it is, but don’t turn the message into what it isn’t: I’m more aware of the aging process, of the death of friends, of people who I work with for whom the word ‘broken’ isn’t the half of it. I don’t believe that images like the above speak to them. Perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to the hopeful sadness of ‘Now the green blade rises’ more than most hymns: this version by Steve Winwood (yes, that Steve Winwood) is rather lovely :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpU01KQIUJM

I’m using this quote today from a Christian book that I can’t recommend enough, that is one of the few that have stayed the course with me:-

‘The testimony is that out of the darkest of soil God brings the life we call ‘resurrection’, out of the ruins of the best made plans, out of bruised and disappointed people, God brings the new creation…within a place of fear and trembling God still opens up in the deep places a future that we could not plan.’

(Donald Eadie, Grain in Winter: Reflections for Saturday People, p.132)

I am also tempted to use this from a minister I know:-

‘Easter isn’t ‘happy’. Easter is much more vehement than happiness. Easter isn’t safe. Alleluia isn’t a passing pleasantry. Easter is the big ‘f*** you!’ to all that is death. Easter is throwing the bird at everything which has tried to suppress life.’

Let’s not have a “happy” Easter – charityhamilton

I don’t know what to say to conclude in lieu of ‘Happy Easter!’, so I’ll use a phrase that the church has used for generations that is simple, profound and opens up the mystery: ‘Christ is risen’ , and then maybe add ‘Beware!’