Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026: The Good News Is Alive in the World
Matthew 28: 1-10

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This Easter Sunday, we reach the breathtaking conclusion of our journey through the "Good News." We began with small seeds and quiet parables, but in Matthew 28: 1 -10, the Gospel describes a seismic shift that refuses to be ignored. There is an earthquake, a dazzling angel, and a stone rolled away not just to let Jesus out, but to let us see in. For Matthew, the Resurrection isn't a quiet or ambiguous event — it is loud, astonishing, and transformative.

Throughout Lent, we have seen how the Good News grows without limit, like a mustard seed, and expands to feed every hungry soul, like the loaves of bread. Now, we witness the ultimate truth: Death cannot stop the Good News. It is alive, unbound, and wild in the world. It will not be buried, and it cannot be silenced.

Just as the angels proclaimed at Advent, the messenger at the empty tomb speaks those life words: “Do not be afraid. ” As Jesus greets the women on the road, he doesn't simply offer comfort; he gives a commission. He sends them back to Galilee — back to everyday places of life, this time with good news to share that cannot be ignored, and he promises that he will be there, waiting for them.

As we celebrate this Sunday, we look back at the stories that have shaped us these forty days. Where have we seen the Kindom of God breaking through? The Resurrection tells us that the risen Christ is undeniably present, not just in the empty tomb, but in the faces of our neighbors, the needs of the stranger, and the good works currently "creating and dancing" in our community.

The Good News is more than a memory; it is a living force. This Easter, let us go out seeking the Christ who is already ahead of us, moving in the world and alive in each of us.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.