Pandemic Easter

John 20:1
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.

That first Easter

came without fanfare

in the midst of brutal occupation

in the midst of recession and oppression 

It snuck in

And the first to observe it

were those who were up and about early

The women
who kept vigil
The news was whispered
from graveyard to village
from village to town
picking up speed
gathering momentum
until
in all its gobsmacking glory
the reality of resurrection
was realised.
And light dawned
not in one stupendous burst
but slowly
and gently
dispelling darkness nonetheless.

This Easter
Resurrection will still come
Heralded by angels:

Key workers on their way to early shifts

Or heading home after a night shift
And the good news will be gossiped  
by those who keep vigil today
We do not need to gather in person
Even in the distancing
we can bear witness
to the light of Christ 
that shines in the darkness
and is not overcome
Love is not defeated.
We may leave the Alleluias
buried for now
and stay by the empty tomb
for a bit longer
But this we believe
Christ will still rise
The darkness will not last forever 
Light will surely dawn.