Something happened.
Was it just idle talk?
That was the initial reaction of the apostles to the news about the empty tomb.
And then there was that message from the strange men with dazzling cloths that, “He is not here but has risen.”
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women must have just been engaging in idle talk, old wives tales.
Skepticism at what was contrary to experience.
Peter got up and ran to inspect, to gather evidence, to see an empty tomb and a pile of linens.
He was amazed.
Idle talk.
Skepticism.
Amazement.
Something happened.
And this is where things come together for some people.
And for others, this is where things fall apart.
The resurrection.
Not just a resuscitation.
Not just a return to normal life.
But a resurrection to a new humanity, of God falling into death and rising out of it, mocking and destroying death’s hold on the world.
People love that part or they don’t, just idle talk.
How could anyone believe that? Why would anyone believe?
Some people have gone to great lengths to give historical and logical proof of the resurrection to make belief easier, more reasonable, more sure.
Many, perhaps most are not convinced by this.
Ultimately belief and faith in the Resurrection of Jesus is a minor miracle, perhaps a major miracle for some.
Belief and faith in something that is contrary to our experience, in something that cannot be certified or proved.
Just because. Because I need to. Because I’m stubborn. Because I can’t help it. Because I know.
The Resurrection: a curse to some, an obstacle that cannot be passed, and for others a blessing, a gift, the miracle that changes how and why a life is lived.
Faith in the physical resurrection of Jesus is something that is simply belligerent, outrageous, and contrary. It is a mistake to try to make it palatable or reasonable, because what we celebrate here today is something that is beyond reason and contrary to experience.
The Risen Lord.
Experience teaches us that there is not enough of anything, that the weak are forgotten, and that the strong get to make the rules.
Experience teaches us that the universe is slowly dying and that moderation is required in all things in order to protect the fragile order of things, a status quo where only some may prosper and thrive.
Our experience of the world teaches us that faith should be something quiet, private, inward and non-disruptive, simple idle talk is acceptable but don’t go beyond that.
But there is nothing moderate or private about what we celebrate this day.
Something happened.
We cannot remain idle in our talk.
The Risen Lord.
May our praise be-immoderate.
Our thanksgiving-excessive.
Our singing-extreme.
May this feast be-unrestrained.
Our faith-intemperate.
Our love-belligerent.
Our hope-stubborn as a bent nail.
And our joy-as contrary as southern politics.
The empty tomb teaches us something beyond experience and reason,
that death is not the last word,
that the weak are remembered,
that the strong are deceived,
that faith changes how we live,
that love is the final word,
that forgiveness is the strongest power in the universe,
and that Jesus is Lord.
Idle talk or contrary praise?
Only our lives can answer the question.