Post Easter Malaise

There is a dramatic shift.

Last week there was a bevy of activity. Extra services, numerous rehearsals and preparations, groups in and out all week long. This week everything has gone back to normal, only with a little less energy than usual. Those in vocational ministry and volunteers are dragging a little. Holy Week was a heavy burden, ending with spectacularly beautiful and joyful services on Easter Sunday.

         

The extra activity and the huge buildup and excitement that come with Easter, leave us a bit sluggish the next week. We are drained, weary, and a bit spent.

         

For people outside of vocational ministry, Monday meant the return to our regular routine of school, or work, or whatever our regular routine might be. Holy Week and Easter are in the rear view mirror. It is time to press on.

         

It makes me wonder; did any of it make any difference? Did all the effort, the creativity, the rehearsal of the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, the decorations, the fanfare...did any of it make any difference, or were they just traditions that we follow, rituals we perform, nods to the holiday, and then we return to normal.

         

In some ways, our post Holy Week activities and attitudes mirror those of the first post-Easter week. Some followers left Jerusalem and headed for home on the first Easter distressed and depressed over what had taken place. They were returning to their homes full of despair because their hopes had been crushed and their dreams trampled.

         

Other faithful followers of Jesus huddled in a secret room with the door locked because they were afraid. Their leader had been crucified, and if the Jews would do that to Him, there was a possibility it could happen to them.

         

Some grieved their loss and were completely consumed with mourning. The week after Easter, they were exhausted, depressed, and faced a return to normal.

         

Some of them had heard about the possibility of a resurrection, but they were skeptical; they needed proof. And it came.

         

The resurrected Jesus appeared to the two who were on the road to Emmaus.

         

The resurrected Jesus broke into the room where the disciples were locked in fear.

         

The resurrected Jesus eventually took away the depression, grief and mourning.

         

It didn’t happen immediately. It took some time.

         

As the week has progressed our spirits have picked up at church. Our energy has returned, our excitement for the next opportunity to acknowledge and worship a risen Savior is building for Sunday, and our enthusiasm for ministry is being rejuvenated.

         

Some people who have returned to their regular schedule can testify to “God Moments”; situations and circumstances where we have seen the work of God and His Spirit.

         

Some people have experienced a glimmer of hope in very dark circumstances.

         

I will be officiating at a funeral on Saturday morning. A long time acquaintance passed away on Easter Sunday. I have spent some time grieving with the family and I have spent some time living in the hope and comfort that the resurrection brings them.

         

Hopefully you have been reminded of God’s mercy, grace and love that we celebrated last week in your living this week!