It just after Easter Sunday, such a meaningful time in the Christian calendar. We have journeyed with Jesus though days of confusion, betrayal, violence and mocking. We have seen him die on a wooden cross at Golgotha, even though he was innocent of any crime. We have wept over the cruelty and arrogance of humanity.
On that first Easter Sunday, the women went to annoint the body of Jesus in the tomb- an act of devotion and love. They had no expectation of anything other than to mourn and express their sorrow. But when they got there, the stone was rolled away, the tomb empty and they met with their Risen Lord. For Mary, she was so suprised she didn’t even recognise him. But this encounter changed her life- even after the most appalling acts of inhunanity, miracles can happen!
‘He is not here. He has Risen, just as he said.’ Matthew 28;6
We need to hear this message of hope so badly in this world of fake news and greed, of conflict and extremism. Even after the darkest most traumatic day, there can be a beautiful dawn. After acts of cruelty and malice, there can be truth telling, justice and forgiveness. After mourning and pain and tears of lament, there can be possibilities of resurrection.
If we feel lost in the darkness just now, may we even yet have a heart to recognise our Risen Lord in our midst. May we see the compassion in His face for our broken humanity, and his desire to bring redemption and peace in our lives. In this Easter season, may we recognise His message of Hope, that death is not the end, and that if we trust Him then we can be with Him forever, dwelling in His love, safe from harm and completely at peace. This is His promise in this life and for the next, and this brings us a real hope for each day.
Risen Lord Jesus Christ, You know the very worst about humanity, yet You gave your life for our sake, and on Easter morning, You came back to demonstrate the power of Your love, and the strength of your promise. We thank you that death was not the end, and that God breathed His life into You once more. When we are in a dark night of the soul, despairing and afraid, Risen Lord come to us, and may your presence transform our sorrow into joy, our worry into trust. Holy Spirit revive our spirits, that every day we might carry the beauty of your presence and the fragrance of hope.
An umbrella of healing love 