Alvin M. Keeling 
by Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC
warm up question
How many times have you heard the story of Easter? What is happening in your life today that allows you to hear the story as if for the very first time?
Lessons from a crooked tree
In my part of the world, dogwood trees bloom at Easter. My parochial Sunday school teachers told an old Christian legend to explain why:
“See those four petals? How do they form a cross? Note that there is a mark of shame at the end of each pedal. The wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was hung came from a dogwood tree. Now, in Jesus’ day, dogwood trees were tall, straight, and strong. The dogwood was embarrassed to be used in this way, so it shrivelled into a small tree with a twisted trunk. It could never again be used to kill any of God’s children. The dogwood petals not only form a cross, but they have dark markings at the ends as reminders of Jesus’ wounds.
In my part of the world, dogwood trees are among the first indicators of new life. They assure us that the death associated with winter has been ruled out. Their flowers light up our gardens and our lives, reminding us that nothing will stand in the way of God’s goodness and the promise of new life. This twisted tree is a powerful witness to the Easter promise of hope beyond despair.
Singer and songwriter Molly Tuttle recently came to my town. She has a song that reminds me of the strength, beauty and power of a twisted little trunk. His music video,twisted tree“, is published on YouTube. The lyrics celebrate what we too often consider to be of lesser value. Sawmills demand tall, straight trees and turn them into profit, Tuttle celebrates crooked trees (and people) who “don’t fit in the sawmill machine”. In the lyrics, there is a reminder that the Easter message uplifts those of low degree and upholds those who embrace their God-given individuality.
In my part of the world, dogwood trees bloom at Easter. And they encourage each of us to thrive too. They teach us that what others may appreciate is not always what God appreciates.
Discussion Questions
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No tree grows perfectly straight. Can you figure out some of the reasons why?
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Some think the world is inferior to what God intends to force everyone into the same mold. Do you agree?
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Name some of the “really different” personalities who have helped you or just brought deep joy to your life.
Resurrection of Our Lord
John 20:1-18 (Alternate)
(Text links are at Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the Year C reading schedule at Lectionary readings.)
For lectionary humor and insight, check out the weekly comic Agnus day.
Gospel Reflection
For a desolate and haunting place, Jesus’ tomb certainly drew a lot of people. Many of our congregations will read Luke at Easter; others will read John. Matthew and Mark also recount the events of Easter morning. In each, there are many people present.
In Luke, certain characters await the arrival of visitors. We often call them “angels,” but that’s not what the Bible says. His designation is “men”. Yet there is something different about these “two men”.
Verse 11 states the obvious – the Easter story seems like a “vain tale”. Perhaps the gospel writers included as many eyewitnesses as possible in order to overcome the tendency to dismiss those who tell this unlikely story. When others bear witness to something that I want you to accept, it becomes more believable.
Another line of note is verse 8; “So they remembered.” Jesus had tried to tell them what was going to happen, but words don’t have the power of experience. What experiences have you had since you last heard the Easter story that allow you to hear and remember what God is doing in your life?
Earlier references to dogwoods and crooked trees in this Faith Lens bring up another side to the story. Easter events do not erase our individuality. Each of the Easter Morning characters are, well, characters. Peter confessed Jesus as Lord and immediately argued with Jesus about how best to save the world. Mary Magdalene had been the host of seven demons. Characters each. And they are our witnesses to the events of Easter.
Too often we see the story of Jesus as a story that tries to make us perfect replicas of something we are not. The Easter story erupts with reminders that it is everyone’s unique and distinctive traits that give these events their eternal significance.
By his death and resurrection, Jesus destroys the death of not having experienced the beauty and blessings of our uniqueness. Your particular voice is beautiful and necessary. Use it and witness the wonder of Easter.
Discussion Questions
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Among the characters present on this first Easter morning, which one tends to make you accept the things described?
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Make a list of the differences between the life of Mary Magdalene and that of Peter. What stands out? What impact might their life experiences have on their vision of an empty tomb?
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The Church teaches that eternal life has already begun, that it is more than something that happens after death? How is eternal life related to the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
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What religious, political, or social pressures keep you from standing firm in your individuality?
Suggested activities
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Take a good, long look at some trees. Ask a few questions about what makes a tree grow the way it does. Perhaps invite an arborist (tree specialist) to tell you about the unique characteristics of different trees (eg why we use oak for furniture but tend to use pine for wall construction).
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From afar, soak up the beauty of a bouquet of flowers. Perhaps your congregation has dozens of Easter lilies around the altar. Now take a closer look at an individual flower. Compare it to an adjacent flower. How are the similar ones? What makes them different?
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Ask your teacher or pastor why there are four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Ask yourself what makes each of them different from the others; what does each give us that would be missing if we only had three?
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In anticipation of Pentecost Sunday, identify those who are least likely to know that the Easter story is for everyone. Speak with these people and share how the events that are central to the community of Jesus affirm our uniqueness.
Closing prayer
Merciful God, you were hung from a tree and left to die. We confess our complicity in this horrible mistreatment of your truth and your promise. Deepen our awareness of the infinite ways in which your resurrection sets us free and sets us on a new path. Amen.
