Clergy joke that we observe Easter Sunday on Monday morning!

Lent culminated with a Holy Week of worship services, special meals, and egg hunts. Northside Church offered five worship services between 8:30 and noon on Easter morning. I spent Sunday afternoon with family before finally collapsing into bed.

I awoke on Monday, believing what I preached on Sunday! The Holy Spirit regularly reminds me to claim what I proclaim. Jesus Christ is risen, indeed.

The Gospel accounts vary, but Jesus appeared to his followers 40 days following the Resurrection. Paul provided the first written account in 1 Corinthians 15:4-8:

Jesus was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and he appeared to Cephas (Peter) and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, thought some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.   

His followers and friends did not always recognize Jesus. He identified himself by calling Mary’s name, breaking bread in Emmaus, and revealing his wounds to Thomas.

Let us claim and proclaim the Easter good news on days after the Resurrection. For those with ears to hear, the risen Lord calls our name. For those with eyes to see, Jesus Christ is with us in the breaking of bread. For those who struggle, the Savior shares our wounds.

Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!