Easter Vigil - April 23, 2011

The Church Season of Lent,
Easter Vigil – The Service of Light
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (April 23, 2011)

Sermon Form:    St. John Chrysostom, Homily 89 
    “Spiritual Gems from the Gospel of St. Matthew

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 28:1-9 (NIV)

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

“The [women] had seen an astonishing thing that was unheard of, an empty tomb, where they had previously seen [Jesus] placed.  The reason He also brought them to have sight of Him was that they might become witnesses to both, the tomb and the Resurrection:  they did not entertain the idea that someone had taken Him, with so many soldiers on duty – only raising Himself.  Hence they both rejoice and are astonished, and they receive the reward of so much attendance on Him, being the firs to see and bring the good news, not only of what was said but also of what was seen.  So when they left in fear and trembling, “Lo, Jesus met them and said, Greetings.  They clasped His feet,” running to Him with surpassing joy, and receiving by that touch a sign and assurance of the Resurrection.  Perhaps one of you would like to be in their place and lay hold of the feet of Jesus?  You can even now if you want to, laying hold not only of feet and hands but also of that sacred head by receiving the awesome sacrament of the Eucharist with a clear conscience.  Not here only, though: you will also see Him on that day when He comes in that indescribable glory and with the ranks of angels, provided you are ready to be merciful.  You will also hear not only that word, “Greetings,” but as well those others, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world.”(Mt. 25:33) Be merciful, then, so as to hear these words.” 

    You are blessed in your Baptism.  Your inheritance of indescribable riches now await you.  These riches are not hidden in a tomb, you will not find them there.  The tomb is empty.  The bounty of Christ seeks you, it can not constrained by the darkness of a grave.  Early in the morning He greets you.  He draws you not to a cave, but to His table.  Christ’s body and His blood greet you with eternal riches here in time.  His sacrifice once for all bring you eternally to Himself, there in eternity.  Amen.

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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