Just some notes from my sermon this past Easter, April 5, 2015. Preached at Sunnyside United Methodist Church, Portland, OR.

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

I must not believe in resurrection, if I did…

• Wouldn’t worry
  • Money | Security | Reputation | Future
• Wouldn’t fear speaking up against things that angered me.
  • Racism | Terrorism | Disdain for the poor
• Wouldn’t shun the sadness around me
  • Homeless | Grieving | Prisoners
• Wouldn’t hesitate to dance when I hear good news.
  • Not embarrassed | loving creation
• Wouldn’t doubt that God loved me
  • Forgives me | Has a purpose for me
• Wouldn’t doubt that a place is reserved for me at the table.
  • Includes me | wants reconciled

Resurrection is an existential matter

• Not logical… We understand that from scripture
• Not emotional… A belief that transcends my fleeting feelings
• Bedrock foundation to rely on when things go awry.

Fear and terror seized them

• They did get, at an existential level, the wonder of resurrection.
  • Their unbelief was exposed
  • were the first ones to struggle with the bafflement of resurrection
  • Somewhere along the way, the power of belief overcame their fear and they told someone
• They told someone convincingly…who told someone else…who told us.
• We are entrusted with the end of the story
  • Jewish literature
• Our belief and our unbelief are known to God (who yet loves us)
  • How I want to be a witness like the brave Marys and the courageous Salome.

Even in my uncertainty, the table is set. We are loved.

• As we dine can we allow God’s grace to so enter our hearts that we can say “I believe. Help my unbelief. ” ?