A Celtic Resurrection

Focus Statement

To walk the way of Christ is to rise with Him daily—

not just to believe in the resurrection,

but to live it—boldly, humbly,

in ways the world can actually see.

Point of Relation

Throughout Lent, we’ve walked the path of faith through the story of Celtic Christianity.

We began with Patrick, once enslaved,

who returned to Ireland with compassion and courage.

His witness gave rise to Columba,

who founded the Iona community.

From Iona came Aidan, who carried the Gospel to Northumbria—n

ot by force, but by friendship, walking village to village on foot.

But not every mission took root.

Ninian, who came before them all,

brought Roman-style Christianity to the southern Picts (modern day Scotland)—

built churches of stone and taught in Latin. The faith didn’t stick.

Because resurrection can’t be imposed.

It must be lived.

Celtic Christians would later learn that to truly share Christ is to walk with people,

to know their language, their stories—to meet them where they are.

And that’s the rhythm we’re called to now.

Things to Consider

What if the invitation of resurrection isn’t just to believe,

but to become?

To become someone who carries light into dark places,

who lives love when it’s hardest,

who walks forward when fear says stay.

What might resurrection look like—through you?

What Scripture Says

As we’ve reflected on what resurrection means for us today,

we now return to where it all began—not in fanfare, but in stillness.

The story doesn’t end with sunrise.

It begins there.

Mark’s Gospel tells us that the women came to the tomb at dawn,

hearts heavy with grief, arms full of spices—expecting death.

But what they found was absence.

A stone rolled away. A tomb emptied of its victim.

A young man in white, saying: “He is not here. He has risen.” (Mark 16:6)

And then—silence.

Trembling. Fear.

Mark doesn’t give us a tidy finish.

There’s no moment of recognition, no reunion, no final words.

Just an open grave and an unfinished sentence.

They fled, afraid. (Mark 16:8)

Now, if you're reading along in your Bible,

you might notice additional verses after verse 8—

what scholars call the “longer endings.”

These were likely added later,

as the early church wrestled with how to conclude a Gospel that ends in silence and trembling.

But the earliest and most trusted manuscripts end right here.

And maybe that’s no mistake.

The end of Mark’s Gospel feels like a beginning

waiting for someone to write it with their life.

That’s where we come in.

As Paul writes in Romans 6:4,

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,

we too may live a new life.”

Resurrection isn’t something we just observe.

It’s something we walk.

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, we’re reminded:

“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”

Not someday—now.

And here’s the mystery:

in Celtic tradition, that threshold between death and life is thin.

Resurrection isn’t a doctrine to explain—

it’s a rhythm to embody.

It’s the song in the wind, the light breaking through fog,

the fire in the soul that won’t go out.

We are to live as Easter people—as a people of the resurrection.

nd if Mark leaves the story open,

maybe that’s the Spirit’s way of saying: now it’s your turn.

What This Means for You

The question isn’t whether the tomb is empty—it is.

The question is whether that changes anything for you.

Because resurrection isn’t just something to celebrate—

it’s something to live.

So—how will you carry that light?

Will you trust it enough to walk forward, even when you’re afraid?

Will you risk hope where cynicism is easier?

Forgive where bitterness feels justified?

Speak life where silence keeps the peace?

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

The Risen Christ goes before you. Will you follow?

What This Means for Us

As a community, we are called to be a people shaped by resurrection—

not just in what we believe, but in how we live.

We are to live as Easter people—

as a people of the resurrection.

That means becoming a community of courage, compassion, and fierce hope.

It means lifting up the hurting, walking with the doubting,

and standing firm in love—even when the road is uncertain.

If the tomb is truly empty, then we must live like it.

Amen? Amen.

Written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI).