Scripture: John 20:11-16 “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” L: This is the Gospel of the Lord. P: Thanks be to God. “At First Light” John tells us it was still dark. Resurrection did not wait for full daylight. It came quietly. Look at the horizon for a moment. See how the light comes slowly. Some of us may be in darkness — in grief, in uncertainty, in waiting. Silently name the place in your life that still feels dark. This is where Resurrection begins. Mary expected to find a sealed tomb. Instead — the stone was already moved. She did not have to push it. She did not have to organize help. God had already gone ahead of her. As you stand, feel your feet on this hill. You are standing on solid ground. What stone have you been bracing yourself to face? Without moving, simply unclench your hands if they are tight. Let your shoulders drop. God is already at work in places you cannot yet see. The turning point of the story is not the empty tomb. It is one word. “Mary.” In her grief, she did not recognize Him. But when He spoke her name — she knew. In her soul, she knew. Hear this in the quiet of this hill: The risen Christ calls you by name. You are known. You are seen. And you are loved. And when Mary hears her name — she turns. Not physically. But inwardly. From sorrow to hope. From fear to trust. The S-U-N rises every morning. But this morning we remember — the S-O-N has risen forever. “And even now, His light is breaking through.” Let us Pray Risen Lord, As the light rises before us, raise hope within us. Call us by name again. Steady us on this hill. Strengthen this congregation for what lies ahead. Where it is still dark, shine. Where we are weary, renew. Where we are uncertain, lead. Make us people of resurrection light. Amen.