Jayhawks and the Resurrection

Jayhawks and
the Resurrection

This week the KU Jayhawks had a very exciting time. Kansas still resounds with the exhilaration of the comeback that was experienced in the championship game. Down by enough points that KU fans thought that their team had been buried and were without hope, hope nevertheless lived on. With only a little more than two minutes remaining the chasm was narrowed to only three points. With only seconds remaining, a three pointer was made and the game was extended into overtime and with that a resurrection-like overturn developed before the eyes of the onlookers.

But already the excitement is beginning to fade. Before long this seemingly miraculous event will be only a memory. It will be a fond memory for Jayhawks, but nothing but a memory.

The Jayhawk chant will live on in future games and will periodically rise from the hearts and pass over the lips of loyal Jayhawks. If you are curious about the history of this almost liturgical chant, check it out here or to hear it click here.

As exciting as this game and victory are to Jayhawks, there is another victory that is not a game. There is a Resurrection that is more than a memory and does not fade in significance.

The Resurrection of our Lord must have been a surprise to the disciples. In fact, the Gospel accounts inform us that even upon seeing Him alive who once was dead, some still doubted. But hearing His voice they were comforted and they confessed His Resurrection.

For those who encounter the risen Lord through Word and Sacrament, this is far more than an emotional experience and far greater than a fond memory. The Resurrection of our Lord is life from death. He who gave Himself into death for us Has risen from the dead for us also. He who took the Sin of the world and suffered its condemnation has risen in glory never to die again. He has risen to rule in righteousness on our behalf. He has risen to guarantee that even the darkest moments of our lives in this world shall never become moments of despair and hopelessness. He has risen to guarantee that not only has He taken our sins away, but that He has also restored to us the life that was surrendered to the power of sin.

So we have the gift of salvation poured out in Baptism, as St. Peter declares in Acts 2:38-39 and 1 Peter 3:21. We have the ongoing Communion administered to us in the gifts of His body and blood. The Liturgy that we chant is more than a cheer that springs forth from emotions, but is the very Word and Promise of God given through the holy office and repeated in faith by those who receive it. Truly the Lord’s resurrection has changed the world and has restored life and hope for all to believe.

God grant that this blessed hope live on in you, not as mere sentimental symbolism, but as the means of grace that deliver what God has promised and fulfilled in Christ Jesus our Lord!