As I ponder the Easter events I have a question:
How does the resurrection affect me today?
The account of the resurrection in John is, perhaps, my favourite. The author of John writes that the empty tomb was discovered by Mary Magdalene, she then went and told Peter and another disciple. They returned with her, saw the empty tomb and left to go home. Mary remained and Mary met the resurrected Christ.
This holds the promise of full life and experience to women. Mary, here, is portrayed as an apostle. The apostle to the apostles. One sent by Christ to bear witness to the empty tomb. In a culture where women could not even give testimony in a court of law, a woman was used to bear testimony to the resurrection. The author of John is indeed showing that women can play a full and equal part in the community of believers. I am glad for us in Lindisfarne that is a reality.
A second way it affects me is, perhaps, the one I need to practice more often. In the text we are told the disciples went home, yet Mary remained. She was the one who took time to linger and she was the one who met the risen Christ. In our culture lifestyle is so rushed. It feels like my life is always busy. There is always so much to do. I would probably have rushed home to clean the house or do the ironing. In the business world busyness and productivity are often seen as signs of success. Yet, maybe we miss so much. We don’t want to be so busy that we miss the Christ.
Lastly, the way I am affected by the resurrection is influenced by the practice of finding God in everything. At Easter tide there is . . .
Joy rippling through the universe
Energy pulsating through the earth
A tiny green shoot pushing through the dark, cold earth
A small ray of sunlight peeping through the dark clouds
The dawn breaking
The birds singing
Resurrection Life bursting forward with all the promise and hope that brings
Christ is Risen . . . Christ is Risen Indeed.
Easter Blessings, + Jane
