Sunday Reflections: Elvis Has Left the Building

Many years have passed since the great singer and performer, Elvis Presley, died on August 16, 1977. The loss of Elvis was so profound for many that they often claimed to see him back from the dead. This phenomenon rose to the point where Elvis sightings have become an urban legend. In reality, Elvis is gone. His autopsy is on file. It is planned to be released to the public in 2027 (fifty years after his death), which will give proof of his demise.

An opposite phenomenon occurred after Jesus’ death. There were many proofs that He indeed was alive again. The Gospels record some of the “sightings” for us. Jesus appeared to the men who were travelling to Emmaus. Jesus visited Thomas and the other disciples who were gathered together in a locked room. He greeted the disciples on the shore of Gennesaret and fed them bread and roasted fish. The resurrected Lord gave His Great Commission before He ascended into the clouds.

 Liturgical churches continue to focus on Jesus’ resurrection during the seven weeks of Easter. However, is Jesus now gone from our midst? Far from it! (At least that is the idea). Believers now form the body of Christ here on earth. They are His living, resurrected presence here below. How? This happens when Christians speak His word of truth. This also happens when they live lives that are led by His Holy Spirit according to that same word. How often the church forgets the crucial role it plays in Jesus’ resurrection. Believers are to be the living proof of His return from the tomb. They are to make known the hope and power that Jesus gives to all people in His victory over death. Jesus, please forgive us for those times when we have failed to make Your presence felt in our families, church and society. Restore us to our roles as living proof of Your resurrection.

Jesus Christ is risen. He lives among us and in us and promises to be with us until the end of the world. As for Elvis - While Graceland has done a wonderful job preserving his memory and aura; I think it is safe to say that Elvis has left the building for good.

In the grace of Christ,

Pastor Ron Breight

The Rev. Ron Breight is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Forest Hills.