Embracing the Risen One

Pixabay image

Today's reflection is brought to you by 
John 20: 11-18.

I sought the one I loved,

my best friend,

but you were gone.

The strangers asked why I was weeping.

Isn't that what usually happens in the place of tombs?

They wouldn't (couldn't?) 

tell me where to find you,

so though it was difficult to see through my tears,

I began my search

by asking the gardener.

But it was your voice that said my name!

In an instant, I wrapped my arms around you

and felt your arms around me.

And we laughed and laughed

with sheer delight and surprise

-- and complete joy.

* * * * * * *

On Sunday morning at the Community of Emmanuel, Quinn invited me to proclaim the Easter story from the 20th chapter of the Gospel of John. It's another of my favourites, where Mary Magdalen can't see through her tears one minute, and the next, she leaps forward and wraps both arms around a laughing and risen Jesus. At least, that's how I picture it -- the ultimate happy ending!

Pastor Quinn gave a beautiful sermon about how we can be on our knees with sorrow and struggle and not see Christ with us because of the tears in our eyes and the pain in our hearts. I'm sure he said many other beautiful things as well, but I was distracted by a young woman who was dancing, just a few feet away from me, to music only she could hear. 

She flitted closer and closer until she was right beside me. Then she sidled up against me and rested her head on my shoulder, whispering something I couldn't quite hear. I rested my head against hers, and thought about putting my arm around her, but I didn't want to scare her away. We stood with our heads together for a few moments, and then she flitted away again.

I'm not sure what that was about for her, and I'll never know. What I do know is that, after reading about the way Mary encountered the Risen One, I felt like I had done the same, somehow. It was, for me, a moment of grace not unlike that of having a butterfly land on my shoulder. It wasn't quite like wrapping my arms around Jesus, but it moved me deeply.

I can't stop thinking about that young woman. My prayers are with her this week, that wherever she is, she can be safe, and cared for in the ways she most needs.

I also pray that this Easter Season brings you many opportunities to be embraced by the Risen One -- however he appears in your life!

See, I am near

Christ's Easter message could be something as simple as this:

I am always near
whether you notice or not.
Even when you feel alone
or abandoned,
I am with you.
When you face defeat,
I am facing it with you.
When you aren't sure how to move forward,
my arm is around you, easing you ahead.

I know all about disillusionment,
disappointment,
betrayal,
abandonment,
fear,
pain,
and death.
I've been through them all.

Why?
To show you
that you will come through them too.
You will be alright.
In fact, better than alright.
I promise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_gfim2bySg

Happy Easter, everyone!