EMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN JACKSON: AFTER-EASTER THOUGHTS WITH CHRIST ON HIGH

The Rev. Samuel E. Roethemeyer is the pastor of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson. He is a native of Nashville, Ill. He is a graduate of Greenville College, Greenville, Ill., and Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. Roethemeyer has served parishes in Olney, Dundas, and Trenton, Ill., and has been pastor of Emanuel since June 1988.

Our family enjoyed a very wonderful meal on Easter Day. A few days later there came that familiar call from one of our family members: "Hey, Mom, what kind of leftovers do we have to eat?" This question made me think about another question. What is left after Easter? I always think about this when I walk through the sanctuary on the evening of Easter morning. Do we still remember the silent witnesses of Easter in this post Eastertide? The Christ Candle on the Altar, the lilies on or around the altar, the banners, the single lily in front of an old rugged cross, and especially the flower cross which was so bright and beautiful even amidst the clouds and rain. All of these silent witnesses remind us even now of the Creator who has blessed us through the death and Resurrection of Christ.

What is left after Easter for us? Paul writes: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)

After Easter, do we truly feel the new assurance of the life everlasting? Have we been truly inspired to really share God's word of hope in a world filled with frustrations, temptations, and tragic happenings beyond our understanding? Do you feel a sense of fullness through the living presence of Christ?

I read somewhere that in Sweden one method of Bible study involves a question mark, a candle and an arrow. the leader reads a passage. If the verse is not clear, the student puts a question mark in the margin. When new light is thrown on the text, he or she draws a candle. If finally, the verse motivates him or her, they make an arrow.

As you contemplate this Easter season remember the question in the hearts of the women who went to the tomb. In their unhappiness they had to do something.

Now the resurrection experience comes to us as a candle. Its flickering flame can become a strong light to eliminate the dark passages of personal depression in our lives.

And finally, the resurrection is an arrow: That is to say there is something we cannot escape. Once the arrow of the resurrection has found us, we still need to be reminded. But every time we think about it, our hearts are lifted up with rejoicing.

What is left after Easter for you? When the question mark becomes a candle, and the candle becomes an arrow, then the resurrection experience is complete for us.