"Easter Reminders"

Our scripture today is from Luke, chapter 24 verses 1-12 from the Common English Bible.

1 Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn't know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn't here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again." 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn't believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

Our Invitation to Respond         

          Because the tomb was empty, our lives can and will be full. Our challenge is to live life to the fullest each and every day as we respond with love to the needs of our world. May all that we give, empower ministries of healing and hope here and around the world. May lives, even ours, be transformed as we choose to follow Jesus.