Today is Holy Saturday, and sometimes it can feel like the longest day in the world. When we woke this morning, Jesus was sealed in the tomb. The disciples were scattered. Sometimes today feels like the day when the light of the world has gone out.

But now the day is drawing to a close. The sun is going down, and the dark is creeping across the sky. But tonight is not like other nights. Tonight is the most holy night, when Jesus passed over from death to life. Tonight, the light of Christ flames forth and will never go out again. From Romans 6: “we know that Christ was raised from the dead, and will never die again. Death doesn’t control him anymore. When he died, he died once and for all time. He did this to break the power of sin. Now that he lives, he lives in the power of God.”

Paul also tells us, “By being baptized, we have been joined with him in a death like his. So we will certainly also be joined with him in a resurrection like his.” Alleluia! The Lord is risen!

Music for this episode is from the album “Love Divine, Victorious,” by City Church San Francisco, with special thanks to Karl Digerness, Minna Choi, the City Church choir and the Magik*Magik* Orchestra. You can purchase a digital copy of the album at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/love-divine-victorious

I wonder what went through Mary’s mind and heart, in the instant she noticed that the stone was moved?

I wonder why Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb? What made them feel like they needed to hurry and race?

I wonder why Mary stayed beside the tomb, after the two disciples left.

I wonder how Jesus’ voice sounded, when he said, “Mary.”

Can I begin to imagine the joy and wonder that Mary felt, as she turned around and saw her risen Lord? Can I let myself believe that this is actually true, and that the living Jesus speaks my name, too?

This Easter, for us in this time, is different: many of us are celebrating at home, unable to gather with our communities, and we may not know what happens next. The disciples didn’t know what was going to happen next, either. All they had to hold onto were Mary’s simple words: “I have seen the Lord.” Can I hold on to those words right now, and place my hope and trust in their deep, deep good news?

God, you make this holy night shine with the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. We praise you and thank you for raising Jesus to new life, and raising us in him. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are carried safely through sin and death; in Jesus, we pass over to your eternal, glorious life.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.