Bright Sunday

The week after Easter is recognized in some churches as Bright Sunday. It is a Sunday when people are moved to the point of hilarity at the good news of the resurrection. Often, it recognizes Satan’s efforts to thwart God’s plan, and Jesus’ ultimate victory over the grave.

As I understand it, many churches have services with lots of jokes and laughter. In a sense, we had a kind of Bright Sunday this last Sunday – on April Fools day! There was a lighthearted spirit in church Sunday. And the message was one you might hear on Bright Sunday.

We spoke of several tricks, from famous April Fools pranks (do you remember the left-handed Whopper from Burger King, or the Taco Liberty Bell?) to some memorable pranks played on us over the years. We shared some jokes and riddles. Then, with the joking and tricks in mind, we took a new look at the familiar Easter Story – concentrating on Satan’s role in the events.

We saw the jealousy on Palm Sunday, when people lined the streets shouting Hosanna – save us now! We saw the plotting to stop Jesus, the evil trickery of trying to capture Him, the scheme to put him to death. We saw how Satan entered Judas so that he would betray Christ. We saw Satan’s working through the Chief Priests and Pharisees during the mock trail – not even close to legal according to Jewish Law. Finally the crucifixion. Satan worked hard to defeat Jesus, but never realized he was playing right into God’s hands. God foresaw everything Satan would try. And Jesus was the victor!

Holy Week is a solemn time when we remember the betrayal, the arrest, and the ultimate crucifixion, horrible death and quick burial of Jesus. But it is capped off with a final victory! The tomb is empty. Christ is risen. A victory that each of us, as part of the Body of Christ, has a share in.