ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 8, 2026
Though I focused this Easter on Matthew’s telling of the resurrection story, I have always liked a line from Luke’s telling: “But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened” (Luke 24:12).
After the women gave witness to the resurrected Christ, Peter hightailed it to the tomb where he found an empty burial cloth. I sort of nod my head every time I read what occurred next: Peter returned home wondering what had happened. Now if it had been Bruce instead of Peter, it probably would have read something similar, like, “…and Bruce wandered off scratching his head” or “…he clearly didn’t have a clue what had occurred.” I chuckle because I want to believe that my response would have been noble, memorable—a poetic expression that generations to come would have been required to commit to memory because of its sheer beauty. Instead, it probably would have sounded like, “Aaaa… that’s weird.” There is a tendency among Christians to read the stories of those who underperformed when it came to faithfulness, and to think, “I sure wouldn’t have done that.” But if I am truly honest with myself, there is a good chance that I would have been equally unimpressive. These are the moments when God’s grace is impressive and appreciated in spite of our slow-growing awareness and enthusiasm.
Today I give thanks for the faithfulness and the witness of the women who came to the tomb. Merciful God, I am especially thankful for your faithfulness and gracious witness when my life does not resemble the lives of those women who went to the tomb at first light. Amen.
