Tag Archives: Easter

Rise from the dead

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Mary at the Tomb
from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN

For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead. John 20:9

We rarely understand God’s vision for us or for the world. Where we see disharmony, God is creating harmony. Where we see suffering, God is healing wounds. Where we see death, God is preparing a glorious resurrection.

Today I will thank Jesus for teaching me how to empty myself of ego and humbly do God’s will of love and service to others. I will sit quietly and contemplate what rising from the dead means to me.

Feel the hush and hope

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
John 20:1

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:24

When the stone of resistance is removed from my heart, I will be emptied of sadness, betrayal, despair, pain, resentment, and fear. I will feel the hush and hope of the Resurrection.

Lord Jesus, you have been through everything I am going through. I trust you are helping and guiding me in every moment. Lead me in the light of your love that I too may offer others the gift of hope and gladness.

Let’s accept peace

Fritz von Uhde (1848-1911)
Der Gang nach Emmaus
pastel on paper, 1891
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

[Jesus] stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36b

Peace is a gift from the Lord.

May I let go of worry, efforts to control others, fear of the future, dissatisfaction with the present, resentment, and blame.

Today may I graciously accept the Lord’s gift of peace.

Peace

Franciszek Smuglewicz (1745 – 1807)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, ca.1800
Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:21a

Jesus repeats it to be sure we get the message: “Peace be with you.”

This is the Lord of peace and reconciliation, the Lord of forgiveness and compassion, the Lord of comfort and mercy.

Lord, fill me with your peace and compassion today.

Hope

Caravaggio
Mary Magdalene Grieving
oil on canvas, between 1605 and1606

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. John 20:1

She probably couldn’t sleep from grief. She got up at the first possible moment and went to care for the body of Jesus. And he was gone.

When did she let go of the fear that someone had snatched his body and begin to hope he had risen from the dead?

Lord, help me to choose hope over fear. Let me rejoice in the gifts of today.

Rejoice and be glad

Icon of the Resurrection

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Psalm 118:24

Today is a gift from God. May I open my eyes, ears, and heart to find reasons to rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Surprised

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. John 20:1

You can’t keep the Lord closed up, locked up, buried, or hidden. Jesus goes where he wants, when he wants, to whom he wants. His presence proclaims and reminds us of God’s undying love for each of us. Be prepared to be surprised: the Lord walks among us.

 

Befriend the wounded

Caravaggio (1571-1610)
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
oil on canvas, from 1601 until 1602
Sanssouci Picture Gallery

I am learning to identify and make friends with my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Although some are still open, these wounds are proof of my ability to survive, begin the work of healing, and live again. They teach me compassion, too, by opening my eyes and heart to recognize the wounds of others.

Today I pray for the grace to be gentle with wounded humanity. May I be willing to reach out to touch God’s holy Spirit in each of us.

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John 20:27

Fools for Christ

1 Corinthians 4:10-13

They anointed and wrapped his dead body, and placed it with sorrow and reverence in an empty tomb.

And in a spectacular display of God’s power and love, Jesus played the greatest April Fool prank of all: He rose from the dead.

When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
John 20:6-8

Who’s in charge

JESUS MAFA. Empty Tomb, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. [retrieved April 16, 2017]

God triumphs over death, proving once and for all who is in charge of life and all that lives.

May I put my trust in the Lord, even when it seems like world events are out of control.

[The angel said to the women,] “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.” Matthew 28:5-6a