No Easter?

Rev. Marvin Bublitz

I recently had a conversation with Rev. Matthew Fenn of Stratford, Ontario. We were speaking of the possibility of having no services on Easter Sunday, and he reminded me of a quote from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: “always winter and never Christmas.” He remarked that it feels like we will be always in Lent but never Easter.

That might well describe the feeling of many as we see people self-isolate, businesses close, and in-person worship services halted. We find ourselves overwhelmed with the feelings of the dark days of winter or the solemn days of Lent.

As Easter comes upon us, now what? I will miss the loud cry of “He is risen!” and hearing the response of “He is risen indeed, Alleluia!” But amidst the turmoil of the times, we may well feel like there is nothing worth celebrating. What do we have to rejoice about? How can we be joyful when we see this pandemic sweeping the globe?

In a sense, we may describe our feelings much as the disciples could have that first Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Their world, the world as they knew it, was collapsing around them. Things they knew and took for granted were turned upside down. Their Rabbi, who was always with them, was now suddenly locked in a stone-cold tomb in the grip of death. For them it seemed as if it was always death and never life.

In fear, they isolated themselves from the world in the upper room. Would there be any relief to their anxieties and doubts? Could they ever know peace again after the events they had endured? The arrest of Jesus, His trial, His conviction, and His crucifixion had all happened so fast. Things had changed so much since a week earlier on Palm Sunday. How could such a short time make such a huge difference? How could one event, one crucifixion, make their world so different?

Our world has changed much in the last number of weeks. Our individual lives have been very impacted. Many are out of work. Others are sick. Others are mourning loved ones. When will this end? The turmoil and struggles of this fallen world will only end when the crucified and risen Lord Christ returns to judge the quick and the dead. Jesus told us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus did not promise that believers would have no problems in this life. He did not promise us a protective bubble to insulate us against viruses. He did not promise that we would have a life full of only good here. But He did promise us a life full of joy and peace—not in this life but in the life to come. He has freed us from the grip of death for eternity. As He burst forth from the grave, so our grave will not hold us forever. Then it will be always life and death no more. How could one event, one crucifixion, make our world so different? Because He is the sinless Lamb of God sacrificed for us and our salvation.

With that promise, we can view the turmoil of this life as something fleeting, not permanent. Trusting in Him who entered the upper room and brought peace to His disciples, we can be at peace in this life no matter what happens.

Jesus said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In the midst of this pandemic when we are not able to come to Him in His Holy House, what are we to do? There are many opportunities for members to hear their pastor. Many pastors have put their sermons and services online. I commend them highly for that. There are also devotion materials on the Synod website (www.lutheranchurch. ca) for you.

Come to the Lord for strength through His Holy Word. Read and meditate on it. Listen to His words of comfort. Spend time at the foot of His cross in repentance for your sins. Hear His word of Holy Absolution for you. Immerse yourself in His Word until that day we can gather again in His Holy House to hear His Word and receive His blessed Supper.

Pastor Fenn remarked that some congregations will have an Easter celebration whenever we can gather next. May our Good Shepherd hasten that day.

Rev. Marvin Bublitz is Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)'s East Regional Pastor.