“He is not here – He is Risen!”
For the believer this is the great good news. As “King of Kings and Lord of
Lords he shall reign forever and ever” – and we shall reign forever and
ever with Him in the glory of God.
Do you wonder how Mary celebrated the resurrection of her Son?
The resurrection is the stunning response God gives to death. God always wins –
for life is stronger than death, love is stronger than hate, and goodness is stronger
than evil. Because the Spirit of God is upon us, our own resurrection is assured.
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit so you
also will be raised by the power of the same Spirit” is how Paul proclaimed
this assurance of our resurrection. How do you celebrate this truth of resurrection?
“We were hoping it would be different” expresses a common experience after having lived years in one’s vocation, way of life, particular work, family life situation etc. “I thought it would have
been ‘better’ if only we could/would/might have had…” Unfortunately, dreams and reality do not
often square. In the face of disappointment, however, resurrection gives us a foundation for “a
new hope.” The resurrection represents the fulfillment of the heart’s deepest desires and hungers
for life, love, peace, and happiness. Our entire being will be filled with the glory of God.
God wants us to live forever. The Resurrection assures us of the fulfillment of this promise.
The experience of Mary Magdalene was: He called my name. We need to know that our name is known by the Lord who calls us gently in many ways to a deeper trust, love, and friendship.
Each of the resurrection appearances brings new hope, courage, joy, and celebration to those who are afraid, hiding behind locked doors, crying, discouraged, etc.
Spiritual consolation is a taste of the final resurrection experience for us as we journey day by day.
Our finished product will be the masterpiece of the Divine Artist. What we will become remains to be seen.
It is good to remember that “eye has not seen; ear has not heard; nor has it dawned on the mind of anyone to imagine what God has prepared for those who love.” In truth we haven’t seen anything – yet.