The Force Be With You!

On December 18 2015, people around the world rejoiced.

After 32 years the team was finally reunited.

32 years of being apart…imagine.

After more than three decades, Chewbacha, Hans

Solo, Leia, and Luke Skywalker were back.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit the silver screen.

Star Wars frenzy reignited.

Once again we were reminded of Jedi knights, the

Dark side and the power of the force.

Guess what?!

Long before young Skywalker trained, or R2D2

rolled, Christians have had the capabilities of Obi Wan and Yoda.

For we are Jedi and the force is with us.

Look.

Tonight we heard Matthew’s version of the Easter

story.

I hope you heard the nuances, for this story is one of

the best, guaranteed to wake you up and pay attention.

Why?

Because of the angel.

He is one buff angel has just rolled back the stone

that took 3 or 4 people to put in place.

This angel is a hunky, gold medalist, strong man.

Then after having performed the feat, he sits, big as

life on top of the stone.

The guards, who were stationed to watch the grave,

were paralyzed with fear.

You can bet your bottom dollar they were not cast in

300.

Meanwhile, Divine Mr. Universe, says, “Girls, don’t

be afraid.

You’ve got the force with you.

Jesus has been raised.

Go tell the disciples the news”

The women leave to carry out the instructions to tell

the disciples, with fear and great joy.

What a mix!

Two ends of the spectrum.

They are of course delighted at the prospect that

their friend, leader, teacher, Jesus, is alive.

Whatever being raised means, walking dead or

Lazarus unbound.

Fear because no one in that society is ever going to

believe them.

Donald Trump’s comments about women are tame

compared to the Middle Eastern society of that time.

Fear and great joy…yikes!

They need some clarity.

When they run smack dab into Jesus.

Jesus…is alive…he is resurrected.

And Jesus too says, “Don’t be afraid.

You don’t need to be afraid.

In fact…you don’t ever need to be afraid ever again.

Because I am going to Galilee.”

And click…the women understand.

Galilee, where their homes were.

Galilee, where there lives were.

Jesus was going there…back to their home, back to

their life, before them through life.

The force that defeats evil, even death.

Women, the most unlikely given the power to

deliver the message, the power to live life.

They do not have to be afraid that they are women,

and that no one will listen.

They will give birth to the biggest movement in

history.

They do not have to be afraid to stand up for their

faith.

They do not have to be afraid of life or death.

Because Jesus has conquered it all and that same

power surges through them.

They are Jedi.

Listen.

The same is true for us.

The force lies within us.

When we were baptized, Jesus shared the power of

the resurrection with us.

Jesus gave us the force.

The force is within us.

Open your light package.

Bend and make it glow.

This light is a symbol of what is inside of you.

As this glows, so does the power in you.

While this tiny trinket will burn out, Easter power

never does.

May this remind you of the power that lies with each

and every one of us.

Like Jesus…Nothing can defeat us.

Wield your light saber, show your bracelets and

necklaces with pride.

Go forth from here and face whatever life brings

you.

When you are awaiting test results…remember the

glow…and that no matter what you will

overcome them.

When you are lying on an operating table, the force

is with you and will get you through.

When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, may

the force remind you that this separation is only temporary and that one day you will be reunited.

When pain grips you, the force will overcome it.

It will not defeat you.

You need not be afraid…today, tomorrow, or ever!

For Christ lives.

And because of Easter you are Jedi…and the

force is indeed with you.