2018 Easter Message - Geraldton Guardian
Viewing Others Through the Light of the Resurrection
The disciples of Jesus rushed to Jesus’s tomb with Mary Magdalene to see for themselves that it was truly empty, as she had reported it was. After inspecting the tomb and seeing that it was indeed empty, they returned home. Mary remained there weeping. Looking again into the tomb she saw someone standing there, but she didn’t recognise him to be Jesus.
‘Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.”Jesus said, “Mary!” She turned round then and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbuni!” - which means Master.’ John 20:15-16 JB
This is a very simple exchange of conversation between Jesus and Mary on the day of His Resurrection. Jesus calls Mary personally by name and at once she sees things more clearly. Suddenly for her, the darkness of despair and hopelessness of the crucifixion of Jesus disappears.
We live in a complicated world which often demands instant responses, with little awareness of the person who is on the other side of the encounter. Comments and reactions are posted on social media without much reflection on, and recognition of, what might be happening in other people’s lives and communities. The message of Jesus, who rises above all the pain, suffering and death he went through on Good Friday, is one of hope and renewal of relationships.
Easter is a time of blessing and light which scatters the darkness often present in our lives. This Easter our gift to each other could be ‘being’ personally present to our families, friends, acquaintances and those who are misunderstood.
Happy Easter to you and all who are important to you.
Bishop Michael
(Media Release for Geraldton Guardian)