Response: Easter is often a celebration of family getting together, going to worship together, and going home to eat together. So, in many respects, Easter can end up being more about family than about the Resurrection. When I was growing up, Easter was about rabbits and baskets and new clothes. I’ve had to make a concentrated effort to make Easter a celebration of the empty tomb.
On the Thursday before Easter, my wife and son and I hold a foot-washing service in our home. We read the story, wash each other’s feet, then serve the Lord’s Supper to each other. On the Friday and Saturday before Easter, we find activities that remind us of Christ’s passion. Last year we painted wooden crosses. This year, we’re making palm crosses from the palms we used on Palm Sunday. On Easter Sunday, we go to worship. Then we get together with family to gorge ourselves.
There are seven words that prepare me for Easter each year: forgive, paradise, mother, forsaken, thirsty, finished, and spirit. I find that these words warrant deep reflection each year. They are words that Christ spoke from the cross. My reflection tends to start with the question, “If I were dying, what would my last words be?” And, “How would my last words compare to Christ’s last words?”
He is crucified and his first thought is for the people who are doing it to him. My first thought we be “Justice!” His first thought is “Mercy!”
He is crucified between two thieves. One hurls insults. One hurls compassion. We know a tree by the fruit it bears – and the one who bears good fruit receives a promise of “Paradise.”
He is crucified and he is concerned for “Mother.” She must be provided for, taken care of.
He is crucified and longs to hear the voice of Father that he has audibly heard at least twice in his life. But Father is silent. Though he speaks words of comfort and mercy to others, there are no words of comfort and mercy for him. And he cries, “Forsaken?”
He is crucified and he is “Thirsty.” We might debate whether he wants a physical drink or whether he longs for the coming of God’s kingdom – blessed are those who hunger and thirst for lives of righteousness, for they will be filled.
He is crucified. He suffers for six hours. Then it is “Finished.” His work is done. It is enough. He is dying. And he offers his “Spirit” into the hands of Father God, who though silent, is still there. Watching. Waiting. Working.
These are the words I meditate on as Easter approaches. And then I visit them again on Easter Sunday – for these words hold new meaning in light of the new life of the resurrection. We are forgiven. Paradise, being where God is, is open for us right now as we live Christ’s life in the Kingdom of God. We have family to tend to, take care of, nurture. Though God may be silent, we are not forsaken. What am I thirsty for? Christ is not finished; the tomb is empty. The work is finished – and it’s just begun. What better place to trust my spirit than in the hands of the God who made and loves me? These are the words that make Easter special to me.
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