Anglican churches will be proclaiming, chanting or mumbling (dependent upon their tradition) the words “He is risen indeed. Alleluia!” this morning. But do we really mean it? Do we fully understand the implications of that response?
Nick Baines‘ made a comment on his blog earlier in the week that got me thinking. He writes:
“On Easter Day it is traditional for the service to begin with the vicar proclaiming: ‘Alleluia, Christ is risen!’ The congregation responds: ‘He is risen indeed. Alleluia!’ I think this might be a bit wrong. If we are faithful to the Gospels, the congregation should really respond to the proclamation of resurrection: ‘ What?! Don’t be so ridiculous!’ Why? Because the disciples of Jesus did not respond to his resurrection with unbridled joy, but rather with bewilderment and suspicion and doubt.”
Of course the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes me want to shout “Alleluia”. God allowed His Son to die on the cross so I could be forgiven, and then Jesus defeated death once and for all by rising back to life. But however much we shout “Alleluia” today, the death and resurrection of Jesus is something so incredible, that we can never fully understand (at least on this earth) why it happened, or what it means, and no words can fully express how grateful we are to God.
Like your style. Hello – I’m Rachel ordinand at St John’s college. Let’s hope the weather stays dry indeed for New Wine. Might see you around.
Hi Rachel, thanks for your comment. Definitely looking forward to New Wine, although I think my daughter is more excited about going to Pebbles! How’s life at St John’s? I’ve not been up since the Summer School last year which was fab!