By Pastor Kris Hertsgaard Kincaid
Christ Lutheran Church
Preston
When the earth shakes and the tomb stands empty, God reveals that resurrection is not only something we witness but something we live – here and now – as a community raised with Christ, learning to walk through a fearful world with great joy.
Easter begins with a tremor. In Matthew’s telling of the resurrection, the earth itself shakes as Christ is raised. Resurrection is not a quiet correction or a gentle return to normal. It is a worldreordering act of God. When the women come to the tomb, they expect to find death. Instead, they encounter an empty grave, a message from angels, and holy upheaval. The empty tomb proclaims that what once seemed final – death, fear, and despair – no longer has the last word (Matthew 28:1–10).
Yet Easter does not hurry past grief. The angel invites the women to look directly at the place where Jesus had been laid. Resurrection is announced from within the reality of death, not apart from it. When the women leave the tomb, they go with fear and great joy. Matthew suggests this is what faithful Easter living looks like – not the absence of fear, but lives moved forward by a joy stronger than fear.
According to the Christian faith, resurrection is not only proclaimed; it is practiced. It takes shape as we hear God’s Word, receive the sacraments, and live as people shaped by baptism – serving our neighbors through faith active in love.
One way this resurrection life becomes visible is through care for those facing hunger. During Minnesota FoodShare Month, donations of food and financial gifts help local food shelves meet growing needs. Financial donations received on or before April 6 are doubled, and food and other staples are also appreciated. Through efforts like these – and through the work of the ELCA World Hunger Ministry – we live out the promise that God’s love is meant for all.
The apostle Paul writes that our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” – secure, held, and centered in the promise of the risen Lord (Colossians 3:3). In a fearful and uncertain world, resurrection becomes visible when communities choose hope over panic, generosity over scarcity, and joy over despair. Sometimes resurrection looks as simple as a donated jar of peanut butter or a single dollar given in care.
Just as Christ met the women at the tomb, Christ meets you where you are. Easter doesn’t assume everything is settled or easy in your life. Grief, doubt, fear and joy – God is with you. I invite you to gather for worship this Sunday and live into the hope and promises God’s love provides. Worship information from area churches was published in the March 30 edition of the Fillmore County Journal. Peace be with you.
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