The Resurrection – A Post Holiday Reflection

‘I believe in Christianity, like I believe that the sun has risen, not simply because I see it but because by it, I see everything else.’ wrote C.S. Lewis. His analogy is brilliant since it causes you to think in two ways. Firstly, your mind is taken to viewing the sun in all its glory, but then, you look around and understand that without it everything is in darkness, unable to be seen for what it is.

Christianity is important not for what it provides but what it illuminates. And this is where we often fall short in our understanding. We think that faith is all about getting. You only have to spend time reading certain books or listening to a particular brand of preacher to get the impression that all you have to do is ask, as if God were some type of slot machine. Put in enough money, time and prayer and eventually it will come good for you.

Well, each to their own but for me Lewis’ analogy teaches something deeper. The light does not remove what the darkness hides; it simply shows it for what it is. It brings a different perspective. And it’s that perspective which positions you to think and live differently.

During his earthly ministry Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ Yet you can’t help but feel those who had followed him, watched him die and were then assembled, hidden together in a house for fear of their own lives were not quite with the statement.

Yes, we all need a crucified Christ, but we desperately need a resurrected one too. I recently stood over my Grandma’s grave and read out the internment. Afterwards, I spoke with a family member and we reminded each other that the sting associated with death has been removed. This is not the end – the resurrection is testament to that truth and the reason why Easter matters.