Easter Sunday

Faith, Hope, Love

by Sally Vonner

Isaiah 67:17–25
John 20:1–18

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.”

–—John 20:18

Blessed Easter Sunday, my heart is filled with unspeakable joy. What a blessing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 20:1–18 confirms the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to overcome death and offer new life to all who believe. This is the good news of faith, hope, and love in action.

How would you feel if you were Mary Magdalene, and you encountered the empty tomb? I would be as baffled as her, feeling despondent, even hopeless, after Jesus’ death. Then this—an empty tomb that cannot be explained. The other disciple enters the tomb after Peter and “he saw and believed.” He knew Jesus had overcome death and needed no more evidence. Mary remains weeping, and it isn’t until Jesus calls her name that she believes. Both had faith; however, they embraced it differently, much like us. It was their faith to see and hear what they hoped: Jesus was risen. Joy in hope becoming visible and real.

What better time than the present to celebrate Easter Sunday, embracing the joy of resurrection and Jesus’ call to keep telling the good news like he empowered Mary Magdalene to do? She was to tell not of his resurrection but that he wanted to see them before he ascended to “my God and your God.” Affirmation that relationship with God is now available to all, a new beginning. This relationship is love in action and must be shared.

I have an art piece with the words “Faith Hope Love.”¹ It is beautifully visible in my devotional space. It reminds me that no matter the chaos and disruption around me, I can find joy because Jesus lives today and walks with me and you. May you, too, have a reminder that keeps you anchored.

Prayer
Jesus is risen, let us rejoice today as resurrection people with faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Sally Vonner, United Women in Faith CEO, is a longtime United Women in Faith member and loves all it has to offer for her spiritual growth, leadership, education, and putting her love into action.

Art by Stephanie Burgess, www.paintedpeace.com