EASTER RESURRECTION SERVICE

 

Easter Resurrection Service

Opening Reflection

Today we gather in spirit and in truth to celebrate the great joy of the Resurrection. The stone has been rolled away. The silence of the tomb has been broken. Where there was darkness, now there is light. Where there was sorrow, now there is hope. Christ is risen; alive, present, and among us.

Scripture Reading
A reading from the Holy Gospel (John 20:1-9):

"On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put Him!"

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' Head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw, and believed."

Words of comfort:

"The Resurrection is not only an event of the past; it is a living reality. The empty tomb speaks to every place in our lives where we feel loss, fear, or uncertainty. It reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

Like Mary Magdalene, we sometimes stand weeping outside what we think is the end. Yet just beyond our tears, Christ is calling us by name. The Resurrection tells us that love is stronger than death, and that no darkness can overcome the Light of Christ.

Let us rely on Christ in the world's times of difficulty. Let us believe that He will triumph over war, sin and death: all in good time.

As it seemed that all was lost when Christ sighed His last breath on the cross, so it will be in our lives. Jesus bowed up His Head and gave up His Spirit. Then Jesus, Son of God, went down into Hades. The Saviour vandalized the great gates of the Underworld of the dead, and confronted satan. Jesus wrested the keys of sin and death from the great usurper. Christ then led God's beloved children from the depths of Sheol, through newly opened celestial gates into Heaven.

Just so shall it be with us. Christ will triumph, He will overcome all wars, death, injustice, hatred, greed, pursuit of wealth in untoward ways, and instate His Royal Rule for ever. We just need to bide our time, and realize that the Kingdom of Heaven among us is a seed rooted and growing, not yet the full tree.

Have patience, dear one! Trust when all seems fallen, dear Reader! As satan stood in disarray in Hades, all his plans brought to nought, the great plan of God marched inexorably onwards. Satan had thought that the death of the humanity of Christ on the cross would bring Jesus into the realm of the underworld. The fallen angel vastly underestimated the Plan of God.

Just so do the powers and elements of darkness today in our world, underestimate the great power of Christ. Keep on praying, dear Reader. Keep on believing. Keep on hoping. Keep on trusting.

We may suffer, we may be persecuted, we may die, loved ones may fall before us. But, in the end, Jesus Christ the Son of God will gloriously triumph, as He triumphed over sin and death.

One day we will stand at the Resurrection of all peoples, and marvel: never have I seen such a sight. Yes, this will happen. God's Plan cannot be overturned or turned back.

Let us thank God for the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, remain steadfast and faithful during our trials here on earth, and look forward to the coming of the Kingdom which will without fail, take place one day as promised.

Until then, let us not break faith."

Prayer of the Faithful
"Let us bring our prayers before the risen Lord:

• For the Church, that she may boldly proclaim the joy of the Resurrection
• For those burdened by sorrow, that they may find hope in the promise of new life
• For our communities, that peace and compassion may flourish
• For our own hearts, that we may recognize the risen Christ walking with us each day.

Risen Lord, hear our prayer."

Breaking of bread:

Priest; "Almighty God, You sent Your only Son to our world because You loved us so much. We praise You, Father, that on the night before He gave His Life, our Lord Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me."

Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."

Priest; "After the same manner, He took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, saying; "Take this, all of you, and drink, for this is My Blood; the Blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me.

Congregation: "Lord Jesus, You are the Cup of Life, the wine that is blessed for our salvation."

(Here spiritually partake of the Body and Blood of Christ within the Eucharist. Be assured He has come to you.)

Spend some time in silent prayer.

The Lord's Prayer:

Priest and congregation; "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as It is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen."

Closing Prayer
Priest; "Lord Jesus,
You have conquered death and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Help us to live as people of the Resurrection;
bearing light where there is darkness,
bringing hope where there is despair,
showing love to all.
Remain with us, Lord,
and make our hearts burn with the joy of Your Presence.
Amen."

Blessing

Priest: "May the joy of the risen Christ fill your heart,
may His Peace rest upon you,
and may His Light guide your way;
today and always.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!"

Final hymn: Christ the Lord is risen today

With thanks to Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8on0PjPM01g?feature=share

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnTJcQlZAF4