Amazed

(Easter sermon, Luke 24:1-12, preached at All Saints Episcopal Church on 4/4/2010)

The women came rushing in, full of energy and wonder.

They had went to the tomb this morning, but they did not find a body.

Instead, two men, in dazzling clothes.

The women were terrified…

The two men said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

“He is not here, but has risen.”

Jesus disciples…the men, that is...do not believe them. They’re still in hiding.

Except for Peter…

Peter has really been suffering these past few days. Miserable and guilt stricken, he’s given up all hope. There’s no way to go back and undo what he’s done.

He’s ashamed of himself…and he can tell others are disappointed with him.

He’ll carry this with him forever, and the burden feels so great that he doesn’t know how to go on…how can he live with this?

He listens to the women…and a spark of hope flickers.

Could this be?

He rushes to the tomb. Afraid, he stoops and looks in.

Peter’s first encounter with Jesus came on his boat. Jesus used it to teach the crowds, and afterwards told them to let down their nets for a catch, which was bursting with fish.

Peter fell down on his knees: they were all amazed. (Luke 5:1-10)

He started following Jesus that day.

A few days later, they encountered a paralyzed man. A group of men carried him on a bed , bringing him before Jesus. “Friend, your sins are forgiven you,” Jesus had said. The scribes and Pharisees were upset. “Who is this speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus looked at them. “Why raise such questions in your hearts. Fine, I’ll give you something to talk about.”

He turned to the paralyzed man and said: “I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.”

And he did, glorifying God all the way.

Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today. (Luke 5:18-26)

One day they got into a boat, and Jesus said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?’ (Luke 8:22-25)

Peter followed Jesus throughout his ministry. He saw all the encounters, he heard the stories. He saw Jesus moved with compassion, angered by hardened hearts, frustrated by peoples’ lack of understanding, and faithful to God in everything that he did.

At times Peter grew frustrated as well. Jesus confused him. The confrontations with the temple leaders scared him. And, despite everything Jesus said, Peter remained unsure about himself, and his worthiness to be there.

One thing, however, remained constant.

Every step of the way, Peter was amazed.

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Every Easter morning, we are all prodigal sons and daughters: welcomed back, no matter the past. Celebrated and embraced by God, we are gently challenged…almost dared…to live in a way that reflects the love that God has for us all.

We can not help but be amazed.
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“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

“He is not here, but has risen.”

Peter listens to the women…and a spark of hope flickers.

Could this be?

He rushes to the tomb. Afraid, he stoops and looks in.

He saw the linen cloths by themselves.

Peter smiles…he is amazed.

Thanks be to God.

Amen.