Easter may ultimately be about things that are high, bright, light and clear, but it begins low, dim, dark and murky. That’s what we see in our Gospel lesson this morning from John. Here we are told that, for Mary Magdalen, the day that would eventually become celebrated as Easter began “while it was still dark.”

God is not particularly concerned with our happiness, but God is very concerned with our holiness. He is concerned with our commitment and not our pleasure. On the cross, Jesus shows us how far God goes to show us His love and he shows us what it means to be his follower, to love as he loves us.

Frank Wesley (Indian, 1923-2002), As it Began to Dawn LISTEN: “The Women Prepare the Spices (Song of Songs 8)” by Katy Wehr, a setting of Song of Songs 8:6–7, 13–14, on And All the Marys (2018) O set me as a seal upon thy heart O set me as a seal upon thine arm For love is strong, strong as death, my love And jealousy is cruel as the grave Its flashes are the living flame of a blazing fire That cannot be drowned out in a flood All earthly gold in exchange for love Would be ut

Antonello da Messina (Italian, ca. 1430–1479),  Christ Crucified , 1475 This painting is striking for its strong verticality, which, by elevating Jesus so far above the ground, gives it a certain solitariness. Antonello composed the picture with a low viewpoint so that we, like John the apostle on the right, also have to look up to view the crucified Christ.  LISTEN :  “Staff”  by Josh Compton, on  Awake, Awake  by A Ship at Sea (2012)   As they looked upon the staff That Mos

"André Kamba Luesa (Congolese, 1944–1995),  La résurrection  (The Resurrection), 1992 In this scratched painting from Congolese artist Luesa, the risen Christ bounds victoriously over the pit of hell—using his cross like a pole vault! The flaming abyss has been conquered, cleared. Having crossed over from death to life, Christ brings humanity with him. That’s why the men, women, and children lift high their hands in celebration. His victory is ours!   The Gospel of Matthew d

“For the hour is coming, when all that are in the tomb will hear His voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life.”  John 5:28–29 There are not many works of art that capture the moment of resurrection. The work that for me is most memorable is a sculpture called “Resurrection” by American Lutheran artist Paul T. Granlund. You’ll find “Resurrection ”  on the sidewalk outside the First Lutheran Church in downtown Pittsburgh. In this imaginative w