He is risen and the Easter season is upon us. What a
glorious event and a glorious season! We all get
swept up in its joy and majesty. The lights, the
flowers, the ritual, the story of life conquering
death, the triumph of the cross. But what stands out
for me the most is the mystery. Mystery of
mysteries.
Did Jesus really rise bodily? How was it that He was
so hard to recognize by the many that saw Him after
the Resurrection? What was it like for His followers
to see Him and experience the miracle? What was it
like in the halls of power when the authorities
learned that His followers were reporting His
appearance in numerous places? Just what percentage
of the population was even aware of this whole
event? Was it like today, minus all the news media,
when what seems like big news to those who are
participants goes totally unnoticed by the majority?
Granted, Jesus’ legacy has certainly stood the test
of time, unlike that of so many others. But didn’t
that build slowly over decades and centuries?
We read that Jesus’ followers were frightened,
amazed, struck by newfound understanding, filled
with the Spirit, and imbued with newborn courage.
The authorities were distraught, scrambling to
manufacture an explanation that would stifle the
excitement among His followers. We don’t really read
about anyone else.
So we live with the mystery and choose to believe.
Why? Some would say because Jesus died to save us,
and they embrace their belief in gratitude and
reciprocation. But would a loving, omnipotent God
need to impose such a violent death on such an
innocent man, God’s own son, just to save a bunch of
not-so-innocent people? Where is the justice in
that?
As for me, I choose to believe because of the
message, because Jesus taught us to love and
forgive, to be compassionate and generous, to make
peace and do justice. I believe, too, because what
was reported 2000 years ago is still happening
today: Jesus still comes to us, often unrecognized.
He still amazes and encourages. He still scares the
authorities—and some others, as well—who try to
explain His lessons away. He still invites us to
follow Him, to do as He did, to be His hands and
heart in this very battered world. And God still
raises Him up in us and all creation every Easter
season.
~ Rosemarie Pace
Prayer
for Vocations to Peacemaking
O God, open my eyes that I may see the needs of
others, open my ears that I may hear their cries,
open my heart so that they need not be without
comfort. Let me not be afraid to defend the weak
because of the anger of the rich. Show me where love
and hope and faith are needed, and use me to bring
them to these places. Open my eyes and ears that I
may, this coming day, be able to do some work for
peace for You.
~~Alan Paton in The Fire of Peace: A Prayer Book,
published by Pax Christi USA
Suggested Actions
Be the risen Christ for others:
Sit with a sick friend or family member. Speak out
for health care for all.
Write a letter to the news media and policy makers
for worker justice.
March with immigrants for legislative reform.
Divest from companies that finance war, nuclear
weapons, and the occupation of Palestine.
Modify your lifestyle to reduce your environmental
footprint.
Commit to one issue about which you are passionate
that promotes peace and social justice
and stick with it.
(Search the web for information and more ideas.)
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Reflection Archives: Lent,
2012
January, 2012
Advent, 2011
November, 2011
Fall, 2011
Summer, 2011
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