I. Introduction

There are various reasons today why we may feel dismayed, concerned, depressed, and maybe sometimes in despair. It could be financial insecurity, family problems, work issues, personal illness, a loved one's illness, or the loss of someone close. Or perhaps it could be the situation in our world today that makes us feel insecure and worried. Sometimes feelings of dismay, despair, and worry can lead to loneliness and concern that circumstances will not improve, making it difficult to find hope during such times.

II. The Pain and Despair left by the Empty Tomb!

Even Jesus' inner circle and the crowds experienced these feelings I described above. Many people came with their own issues to see if a miracle could be performed. Some individuals sought assistance due to chronic illnesses they had endured for an extended period. Others were hungry and needed nourishment. They also sought care and compassion, which they found through Jesus. In our passages we see Jesus' followers all shocked and deeply troubled to find the tomb open and empty. In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is identified as the first witness to notice that Jesus' body was no longer in the tomb. She subsequently informed Peter and the Beloved Disciple, who accompanied her back to the vacant tomb. In Luke we see a few women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the others with them, who came to the tomb They were already thrown in a period of mourning following the tragic demise of their Messiah, and these feelings of sorrow and grief were now compounded by shock, despair, and dismay. Besides experiencing a significant loss, they were worried about their own safety, as they were associated with Him whom they despised and crucified. The situation was awful, frightening, and challenging for those who experienced it.

III. Do not be Dismayed! I am Alive! I have Risen!

The moments at the empty tomb are heartbreaking. John described how Mary Magdalene stood there in her sorrow, alone, lost, and weeping, after Peter and the other Disciple left. In Luke the women who came to anoint Jesus' Body with the spices they prepared, were stunned and frightened. The disciples who returned to their homes experienced a profound sense of confusion. What is remarkable is that those present at the empty tomb were not abandoned to endure the loss and absence of their Lord indefinitely. They are not left to wonder what now? What is ahead for us? Where shall our help come from? No, God in Heaven saw all their feelings, and knew what happened to God's Son. God remained present and did not abandon them to desolation, anxiety, or fear. God's angels intervened at the right moment to prevent emotional and physical collapse, helping them avoid total despair and a complete sense of hopelessness. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen," the angels in their bright clothes told the women, described Luke. In the Gospel of John, while Mary was weeping, the Son of God appeared and addressed her by name, "Mary." Upon hearing Him call her name, she recognized Him. Later, Jesus appeared to the distraught disciples as they were gathered together. In their darkest hours, God appeared.

IV. Conclusion

Why do you look for the living among the dead? Why are you crying? For us the responses of the women and the disciples appear normal, because in our human suffering we do not always see light and hope out of our own difficult circumstances. Of course, they forgot that He told them He would die and rose again. Their memories were brief, as they looked at the empty tomb in front of them and considered their future circumstances. The importance of Jesus' resurrection is that it demonstrates God's power to overcome the actions of those who crucified Him. God's love and power surpassed all evil, including the crucifixion of His Son, showing that life and love prevail over hatred and resistance. God is our light and our hope in our own lives, dear members and friends of Barre Congregational Church. God is our peace, and our comforter. God stands with us in all our circumstances, but more, God is with us always. The question is, do we see God's intervention when angels are sent to us, to speak to us, to hear our cries, see our pain. If we do not recognize them, the Son of God will appear through His Spirit and God's word to help and give us hope, because God is alive and the Son of God is risen. Do not be dismayed, my children, says Jesus, I am Alive! I have Risen! Amen.