If you have been following my daily writings for any length of time, you know that I see religious celebrations not merely as events to be passively acknowledged, but as portals into new possibilities. Easter is no different. Jesus’ resurrection is meant to be a reality that we experience, not one that we merely witness. The power of God’s love that raised Jesus from the dead is meant to flow in and through us! Let us begin our week together by considering Jesus’ resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene. Matthew’s Gospel tells us, “Mary Magdalene…went away quickly from the [empty] tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met her on their way and greeted her. She approached him, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to her, ‘Do not be afraid.’”
In this moment, Jesus sought to move Mary away from the crippling grip of fear. If we want the power of God’s resurrecting love to flow through us, we must be willing to carry on the mission of Jesus to be Christ-like. Fear only shuts down the flow of God’s love. Do we feed the fears of others with our negativity, or do we make it our job to dissolve the spirit of fear through encouragement, support, and shared wisdom? Today’s culture is awash in deadening fear. Through prayer, meditation, uplifting words, and acts of generosity, let us all endeavor to resurrect people’s faith in God, in humanity, and in themselves.
Divine Master,
I am willing
To let go of fear
So that your resurrection
Can flow through me.
