Unbelieving, Slow Of Heart
As I reflect on the post Easter readings I question with whom do I identify?
Am I Mary Magdalene crying at the empty tomb looking for Jesus and asking:
Where have you put him"?
Do I hear a gentle compassionate voice asking: "Women, why are you crying"?
To whom do I express my needs, my concerns? Jesus is calling me by name. What is my response?
Can I imagine being one of the apostles huddled behind locked doors out of fear? What doors in my life are locked?
What parts of myself have I walled off out of fear?
Do I identify with Thomas, who would not believe unless he touched the risen Christ? How does Jesus deal with Thomas' doubt? How does He deal with my doubts and needs? "Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet believe" (John 20:29)
I further question "Am I one of the disciples walking
the scriptures concerning himself" ? (Luke 24:25)
Peter also comes to mind. At times I want to forget the past, return to the familiar where I am secure. Simon Peter told the
other apostles "I'm going fishing, and they said "We'll go with you" (John 21:3)
Who appears at the shore? Yes, Jesus!
I realize story after story as Ruth Haley Barton writes "Jesus systemically sought out his loved ones to announce the good news,
to have healing conversations, to provide comfort and assurance, to bring peace,
perspective, forgiveness— and even makes breakfast"
Yes, Jesus knows my hiding places too and searches me out.
"Christ is risen, though we might not see him! We don't always notice spring. The miraculous doesn't force itself on us. It's there to be seen, but whether we see or not, and what precisely we do see, depends mainly upon what's going on inside our own heart (Ronald Rolheiser o.m.i)
CHRIST IS RISEN LET US REJOICE, ALLELUIA