What if death isn’t the end?
We know that’s the heart of the Easter story—and now, it’s showing up in an unlikely place: deep space.
A recent study from researchers at the University of Sheffield suggests that black holes—those mysterious regions of space known for swallowing everything, even time—may not be the final, inescapable void we once thought. Instead, they may become white holes, cosmic phenomena that eject matter, energy, and even time itself back into the universe.
Let that sink in: What we assumed was an ending might actually be a beginning.
For decades, scientists believed that a black hole marked the absolute end for anything that entered it. According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, all matter and light pulled inside would collapse into a singularity—a place where the laws of physics break down and time stops.
But using the tools of quantum mechanics—a field that explores the behavior of the universe’s tiniest particles—researchers now theorize that the story doesn’t end at the singularity. Instead, that point of no return might give way to something else: a white hole, reversing the process. Rather than pulling in, it pushes out. Rather than ending time, it begins it anew.
Here’s what Dr. Steffen Gielen, one of the researchers, said:
“In quantum mechanics, time as we understand it cannot end as systems perpetually change and evolve.”
That’s a bold statement. And strangely enough, it sounds familiar. Because the Gospel says something similar.
In our sermon series, Resurrection Road, we’re following the disciples as they meet the risen Christ. Each story is filled with mystery and awe. They don’t recognize him at first. He appears behind locked doors. He breaks bread, and suddenly their eyes are opened. The resurrection stories feel like they’re breaking the laws of our normal reality. Jesus isn’t just revived—he’s transformed. Time hasn’t just been paused—something new has begun. Just like this new theory about black holes, resurrection isn’t about rewinding the past. It’s about moving forward into something more expansive than we ever imagined. When Jesus rises, he doesn’t go back to the old life—he goes ahead into new life. And he invites us to follow.
One of the most fascinating pieces of the Sheffield study is how it ties dark energy—the mysterious force expanding the universe—to the flow of time itself. The researchers propose that time may not be a fixed measurement, but something relative, fueled by unseen energy.
Again, science echoes faith.
Because isn’t that how grace works? Not as something we control or predict, but as an unstoppable force expanding outward—moving us from grief to hope, from fear to courage, from death to life.
The tomb couldn’t contain Jesus.
Death couldn’t stop him.
Love couldn’t be sealed away.
The resurrection is our white hole moment: grace erupting into the world, light spilling out of darkness, and a future bursting forth when all seemed lost. This isn’t just theological curiosity or scientific theory. It’s a way of seeing the world—and our lives—with fresh eyes.
We’ve all had moments that felt like black holes:
- The relationship that ended.
- The diagnosis that crushed us.
- The silence after loss.
- The exhaustion of trying to hold it all together.
But here’s the Good News: those places are not the end of the story. God is not done. The Spirit is still moving. Jesus is still rising. What looks like the end may be the start of something new.
So as we continue down Resurrection Road together this May and June, let’s walk with the awe of scientists staring into space—amazed that there’s still more to discover.
Let’s remember: resurrection isn’t a one-time event. It’s a way of being in the world. A way of trusting that light still breaks through, love still wins, and even the deepest darkness can become the doorway to something new.
What if that strange black hole of your life isn’t your undoing—but your transformation?
The Gospel says it is.
Let’s walk on the Resurrection Road—together.
