In their fear at seeing the glory of God in the angel, Mary Magdalene and the women are reassured by the angel’s first words, “There is no need for you to be afraid”. How often do we, too, need to hear these words? Fear has such an impact on so much of our lives, our attitudes and our decisions and actions.
God’s messenger understands
what they have come for. They are “looking for Jesus.” Is this something that can be said of us, of me? How do I do this? Looking for Jesus is a lifelong search. Human relationships take time to develop, to deepen, and to mature. They have their ups and downs. This is true of a genuine relationship with God, too. To which person of the Trinity do I most relate? Has this changed over the years?
It is in stopping to listen that the
women’s feelings change from deep sorrow and worry as they come to the tomb, to fear when the angel arrives, and now to rising joy and probably questions as they receive the message that Jesus has risen. They are to come and see that he is no longer inside the tomb “where he lay”. How much we need proof, in fact, ongoing proofs on the journey of life.
The angel now sends Mary Magdalene and the women out to “tell his disciples”. Let us
go out with these women who have been sent, “filled with awe and great joy”.
When can I recall the awe and joy of an experience of God? Perhaps, in experiencing God in nature, in a sunset, the ocean, a forest, or a poem or scripture or...?
Do I need to hear the words, “Do not be afraid?” Can I listen for them?
What is the impact of an encounter with God in my life, whether in times of fear and anxiety, or awe and
joy?
