 Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. ~Luke 24:8-9 Now faith is the essence of things hoped for, the conviction of that which is not seen. By faith, indeed, were our ancestors approved. ~Hebrews 11:1-2 We celebrate, we lean on and lean in to what we do not see. Faith is often set in opposition to science, but they are by no means enemies; they are different “animals”, gathered, as it were, in a sustainable, verdant, and peaceable kin-dom that at its best allows for the flourishing of truth and life. We do not believe in science as much as we observe it (or do our best to do so), and test it. Faith is something different. Faith is about belief, about trust and commitment. Faith too we test, but perhaps in a more functional way, like art. Memory and storytelling, the wonder-filled search through the ages for truth, meaning, and significance, for what is reliable and what endures and makes for flourishing, the essence of a thing—these are the practices, the disciplines, and the outcomes of faith which traffics in the ineffable and unknowable. Mary and the other disciples with her seek faith at the tomb. There is no certainty—little can be authenticated here from a scientific perspective. But there is much to be done with the work of faith, and, with fear and trembling, these women set themselves about it. And they look across the ages to invite us into it too. The writer to the Hebrews expands the notion that our story is seeded by the inspired and faithful actions of others who gave of themselves to what is not seen with outcomes that demonstrably and confessionally renewed life for many. Life begetting life. New life from death. Resurrection, as it were—even in this time. Especially in this time. Thanks be to God! Enter into worship. This Sunday at 10:00am in-person or online. Readings: Isaiah 49:1–13 † Psalm 18:2–11, 16–19 † Hebrews 11:1–2, 23–24, 28–39 † Luke 24:1-10. About the Art: Wesley, Frank, 1923-2002. Easter Morning, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=59213 [retrieved April 7, 2025]. Original source: Estate of Frank Wesley, http://www.frankwesleyart.com/main_page.htm. About the Artist: Frank Wesley was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh into a fifth generation Christian family of Hindu and Muslim descent. He belongs to the Lucknow school of painting. His paintings reflect this influence and that of the Chughtai school of painting that flourished in India at the turn of the century. Wesley made art based on both biblical and secular themes. He used water colours, oil paintings, miniatures and wooden carvings. About the Art: “Outlining the head of the risen Lord is a nimbus halo of golden white. His right hand, bearing a blood-red stigmata, rests gently on the soft white drape of a robe which leaves his left shoulder almost bare. Encircling his neck is a slender black cord which follows the contours of his collarbone and chest in an Indian artistic convention, defining the body with its lines. The forehead of Jesus is gold with the knowledge of God. Although refined in Indian style, his features are strong and confident. His neck is a sturdy column and the shoulders are firmly erect. His expression is peaceful with new strength. The women are not peaceful. Pressing forward in her anxiety to reach the grave, Mary Magdalene has an eyebrow curled in pain and a line of stress from nose to mouth. In the lobe of her ear, a tiny red jewel duplicates in miniature the mark of the nail in the hands of her Lord. The other Mary is more self-possessed and one arm encircles her friend in a comforting manner. The rocky cliff at the right speaks of the pain and suffering of death. Touching the top edge of the painting and gracefully framing the rock, is the flowering branch of a tree symbolizing new life. The is the moment before the revelation of new life. This is the dawn of a new era.” From Frank Wesley: Exploring Faith with a Brush by Naomi Wray.
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