21 April 2019
Easter Sunday
The Resurrection of the Lord
In St. John’s Gospel today three characters facing the empty tomb are examples for me to see something about the nature of faith.
First, there’s Mary Madeleine. In her confusion she runs to the apostles for help. She needs assurance. She shows me how necessary others are in the development of my faith. I do not come to the Lord alone. Others clarify my doubts; others affirm my belief; others give me the light to see Christ, the strength to turn to him with confidence.
Peter is next. He comes to the tomb. He says not a word. He needs time to seek forgiveness. He bears feelings of regret and shame for having renounced Christ; for having denied him. His silence tells me patience is the soil wherein faith slowly takes root.
Finally, there is John. He sees; he believes. The immediate passage between the one and the other is natural. He is the living example that faith is gratituitous, undeserved. If I am aware of my own faith I can only be grateful, indebted and encouraged to pray before the empty tomb this Easter day for the Madeleines and Peters who are my peers, my companions.