Tired is how one feels after Easter. But there are kinds of tired just as there are kinds of happy.
Of the first kind: Jubilant exhaustion
I have been in the room with my wife for the birth of all five of my children. I have, therefore, seen in another human face the kind of tired that is both exhausted and glad. “Well done good and faithful servant” is the word this week to you. Eat and drink to your hearts’ content and give thanks to God who has dealt wondrously with you (Deut. 14:26; Joel 2:26; 1 Cor. 10:31). Read the Psalms of Ascent, pray the bright week collects from the Book of Common Prayer, and devour chocolate.
Of the second kind: Tired like one who doubts
But some of us are distant from the gladsome tiredness of the Resurrection. Easter hits us “off” so to speak. There is a lot of bad news which —right now— rivals in our hearts with the Good News. Like Thomas it feels like we missed it, missed-out on it, or —we fear more accurately— we were left-out. We are glad for those who are glad, but, frankly, empty tombs won’t do it for us, we need hands in holes and fingers in scars. When will Easter hit our houses, our places of brokenness? So much still feels like Good Friday. If this is you, “Do not be afraid” is the word of the Lord. You are not forgotten, and you are worth more than many sparrows. Easter has happened and it will bleed —if at first slowly and by trickles— into your life. Read Psalm 22 and 23 over and over again. Pray the bright week collects as claims upon Yahweh. Raise your lament to the One who raises the dead. Find brothers and sisters in Christ —learn Thomas’ lesson: Christ often comes when we are gathered.
Of the third kind: Wanting to know what I must do to be saved
Some of us are in neither group. Some of us want to know what we must do to enter into the Good News which seemed too glad to be true and yet which now must be laid hold of by faith. We have seen we have heard, now we want to taste. Repent and believe the Gospel! Come to the Water to be baptized, and then join us at the Table. Easter is a great time for baptisms. Pray Psalm 1 and prepare to be planted in the living waters where the trees that grow all take the shape of the Cross.
Watch with those who watch, weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who are glad. In all things remember Christ has conquered and he bids you come, do not tarry, and eat with him. Dinner is served Sunday at 4 PM.