YEAR C: HOMILY FOR EASTER SUNDAY (1)

YEAR C: HOMILY FOR EASTER SUNDAY

HOMILY THEME: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.” (John 20:1)

BY: Fr. Robert deLeon, CSC

 

HOMILY: “Three seasoned ministers, popular pastors of large churches in a Midwestern city and also friends of many years, responded to a request for a group appearance on a TV talk show. In the course of animated conversation about the joys, sorrows and challenges of ministry, the host asked each quite a challenging question. ‘When your earthly work is done,’ he asked, ‘and friends and congregation members pass by your casket, what would you like them to say?’

“Arthur, pastor of the biggest Methodist church in the city, cleared his throat to speak. ‘I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.’ “Eugene, Lutheran pastor of a church just a block away from Arthur’s, offered his consideration of the searching question. ‘I dearly wish people would be able to say what a wonderful teacher and servant of God I was, someone who had made a huge difference in the lives of others.’ “Last to speak was Albert, who pastored the Presbyterian Church across town from his two friends. Having had a bit more time to consider the question, he responded, ‘I’d like them to say, LOOK! HE’S MOVING!’” (Original source unknown)

Mostly wishful thinking, we’d say to Albert. But only mostly. It’s Easter, after all! Who’s to say what could or couldn’t happen when today we hear of a man who not only twitched in his casket, but climbed out, threw off his shroud, and walked out into morning’s brightness? Who’s to say what’s possible because of Easter? And who were we kids to say Mom was just imagining it all back in 1955 when she dashed out of the funeral home and, breathless, addressed Dad, who was waiting for her in the car with us youngsters. “She winked at me! I swear it; she winked at me!” Mom screeched. And no matter how many possible explanations Dad offered—sunlight glinting off the deceased Mrs. Levy’s glasses, or perhaps off Mom’s own glasses—she’d have none of it. Old Mrs. Levy, our dear long-time neighbor, wasn’t dead, Mom insisted for years after. Or if she was, she winked anyway. Who’s to say what’s possible because of Easter?

On this day, we hear the words that changed everything. “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.” (John 20:1) Who’s to say what could or couldn’t happen when today we hear of a man who not only twitched in his casket, but climbed out, threw off his shroud, and walked out into morning’s brightness? Who were we to say so long ago that Mom was crazy when she claimed Mrs. Levy winked in her casket? Indeed, who’s to say what’s possible because of Easter?

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