"Mama, it's dark out there."

"But I've told you, son," she said, "that Jesus is always right there in the dark with you."

So the boy walked bravely to the door -- opened it -- "and yelled out, Jesus, if you're out there, please hand me the broom."

The boy was on the right track.

He took the presence of Jesus seriously. Even some Christians have trouble doing that.

They love the peat Gospel story, and they love the Lord, but they forget the reality of his Resurrection and the power of his presence among us.

It is clear, from the witness of that empty tomb and those Resurrection appearances, that God intends us to know the truth.

The Resurrection was not vague. It left evidence all about. The Resurrected Lord was a tangible presence.

God did not leave those disciples groping their way on blind faith. He hit them with a light that flooded their darkness. He filled them with an assurance that turned doubt into pure joy.

Our response should not be vague either. Too many Christians settle into a half-hearted faith that gets them to church when the mood hits them -- and calls them to pray when life gets so hard they have to.

I'm not being critical. God understands both our doubt -- and our obstinate pride. But the agony of the Cross calls for more than that.

The reality of the Resurrection calls for more than that.

God calls us to something we are most reluctant to give:

Claim your share in his victory.

(Our services: 6:00 PM Saturday and 11:00 AM Sunday. The new -- big -- St. Matthew thrift store is open for the first time this Friday and Saturday -- 5th and 6th -- 9:00 to 4:00)