Resurrecting the obvious

A sermon for he congregation of St. Saviour Anglican church, Penticton BC – Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 – The Fifth Sunday in Lent – The Very Rev. Ken Gray

Those of us who officiate at funerals get to say some wonderful words. For instance, right at the beginning of the service:

“I am the resurrection and the life says the Lord. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

These twenty-nine words have rolled off my tongue more times than I can count. In them, we hear one of the most important proclamations of Holy Scripture. In John’s Gospel we read: I am the Light of the World; I am the true vine; and today, I am the resurrection and the life. John’s telling of the story of the raising of Lazarus is supported by the resurrection stories in all four Gospels. It is the foundation of the Apostles’ preaching, especially of Paul:

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-5

It is argued in some scholarly circles that what we see today is not a resurrection, but a resuscitation, for Lazarus returns to human life, at least for a time; he also will eventually physically die. That said, Jesus takes the opportunity to proclaim the fact, and the process, of resurrection. The truth remains that light overcomes darkness. Death in all instances is not the end. Life with God, and with Jesus, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit creates the possibility, and the promise, of life beyond death.

Such an understanding is huge for us all, whether we have been steeped in the history of the church and participated in its traditions, or hearing such words, fresh, for the very first time. At funerals, other emotions and reactions are also in play. Mourners — family members and others — grieve the loss of someone important in their lives. As mourners, we acknowledge that while our loved one is in good hands, we experience the pangs of loss. Our hearts ache. In all seriousness, the deceased bask in glory; we suffer a loss. We do, however, take time to celebrate the presence of our loved one  in our lives, and in the life of the communities which we share. More broadly, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the value and significance of life itself.

Today is a bit of a dress rehearsal for Easter. Jesus takes the opportunity to underline certain truths for us.

1) Lazarus was totally dead. The body and the tomb smell awful. Martha advised  that “by this time there is a bad odor.” I prefer the King James version here: “He stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.” He has not (as the Princess Bride says) been “mostly dead all day.” He is totally dead for many days. Yet, somehow, he lives, through Jesus’ real presence as he stands before the tomb entrance.

2) As Jesus’ followers believe (this is John the Gospeller’s point throughout  his Gospel), resurrection occurs. Resurrection is no longer an idle concept, a mere hope and dream. Belief in Jesus AS both resurrection and life allows for resurrection to occur. Short on details? Yes. Long on conviction. Also, Yes.

A couple of final thoughts, if you have time: Do you know why I enjoy coming to St. Saviours from time to time? As some of you know, I am balancing a lot of competing priorities right now; so every commitment matters. Our daughter promises to deliver our first grandchild in late summer. (Sorry, her fist child!) So, I am once again reducing my commitment here and elsewhere, but I do want to help, as I am able, as you continue to face a somewhat uncertain future regarding clergy leadership. I know you tire of dealing with other matters including an aging building, and the Soupeteria situation. In these, the only way is forward. I will do what I can to keep communications open. That said, the real reason I like to come here is that for the most part, I am the youngest person in the room.

I know, I know, age is just a number, though its effects are many. At the ripe age of sixty-eight I have a growing sense that my days are limited, hopefully still many, though my human life is finite. I have more history behind me than future before me. Believe it or not, even at sixty-eight, it is comforting to know that death is not the end. Believing Christians are people with a future in God.

A second thought: Kathie and I have known a couple in Kamloops, Chuck and Elaine, for many years. Both have now died: Rest in peace friends. At Chuck’s funeral a colleague, Dan, preached the homily in which he shared how he had visited Chuck the day before he died. Now, he and Chuck were voracious readers. They led or initiated all sorts of spiritual book studies and educational programs. From his hospital bed Chuck asked Dan: “Do you think its all true?” Dan said, “yeah, I do.” Good answer; the right answer; the truth.

I’ve wondered the same thing myself. Is this all true? What do we really know about our future? What do we expect will happen? What will life, released from the captivity of time and space be like? Maybe you have these same questions. Good questions? Honest questions. Today is a good day for a belief check. Remember, that belief does not create the reality of a resurrection relationship with our Creator. It’s a good way, however, to ensure that when the invitation comes, we don’t miss the party.

May God richly bless us all as we approach Holy Week together.

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