Show Up [Easter 2022 - John 20:1-18]
The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson John 20:1-18 Show Up There was no hope on the first Easter morning. Just dark skies and heavy hearts and the stubborn shadow of the cross. And a lonely woman carrying spices and ointments to the place where they laid her dearest friend to rest. There was no hope on the dusty road that she traveled. It was a road of sorrows, made muddy by the tears of too many mourners. The road led to death, to a valley of dry bones and faded memories. And no amount of beautiful flowers or well-manicured trees or impressive monuments could disguise the fact that Mary was lugging her oppressive grief and her broken heart to a cemetery. There was no hope in that empty tomb. It was not a cause for joy on that first Easter morning; it was a symbol of the emptiness Mary felt. It was yet another reason to weep, until even her tear ducts were emptied out. When she saw the that the stone was missing and the grave was empty, she ran to sha