“Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here! He is risen from the dead!”    (Mark 16:6)

Greater words have never been spoken before in all of human history; and the message of Easter is both simple and profound: Christ is risen–death could not hold Him–the tomb could not contain Him.  Contrary to what many people think, Easter doesn’t just celebrate one day, and it’s far more than just a single morning of hallelujahs, but a season of wonder that spans 50 glorious days, from the breaking dawn of Resurrection Sunday to the fire and wind on the Day of Pentecost. During these Great Fifty Days, the Church doesn’t merely remember the resurrection–we live in its light. We proclaim not just that Christ was risen, but that He is risen–Risen Indeed!

In Acts 1:3 we read, “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” And so, the season of Easter invites us to walk with the disciples as they encounter the risen Jesus again and again: in a garden at dawn, on a dusty road, behind locked doors, beside a charcoal fire, and atop a mountain. In fact, there are 12 post-resurrection appearances recorded in the four gospels and alluded to in Paul’s letters (if we count Paul’s encounter with the risen and ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus), and all of them are more than just proof of life and of Jesus’ victory over death–they’re purposeful revelations, confirming Jesus’ identity, strengthening His followers, and preparing them–and us–for the coming of the Holy Spirit; they’re moments charged with meaning, and filled with forgiveness, restoration, and commissioning. Through them, Jesus confirms that death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and a new creation has begun, as He meets grief with grace, doubt with peace, and fear with purpose.

In this Easter season series, we’ll reflect on these sacred encounters, discovering how the risen Christ reveals Himself to His people–not only 2000 years ago, but today–and how His resurrection continues to transform our lives, our Church, and our mission in the world.

SERMONS

Title: “With Burning Hearts”

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Christopher Doering

Date:  Sunday, April 27, 2025 ~ The 2nd Sunday of Easter 

Scripture: Luke 24:13-34

Handout: Part1. HO