Tell The Story - April 5
Today’s Readings
Friday: AM Psalm 136; Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16; 1 Cor 15: 51-58;Luke 24:1-12
Today’s Reflection
Last month, in an Adult Sunday School Forum, parishioner Craig Cecil inspired many as he recalled his courageous story of transformation from addiction to new life in recovery. I do not remember every detail Craig's account. I do remember Craig battled his addiction for many years and bravely admitted it was a miracle he was still alive. I do know that today, my friend Craig is a triathlete champion and a coach. I do know that Craig credits Christ as the conduit for this transformation; and that witnessing Craig tell his miraculous story gave me hope. It gave me hope for all of the people I know who are struggling with the Holy Saturday darkness of food, alcohol, and shopping addictions. I have retold Craig's story to others whom I know are struggling.
Many of you know that less than two weeks ago my dear, sweet, beautiful, faithful mother died. I have recounted the details of her passing many times to those who would listen. In her obituary we mentioned that some of her last words which were, "Tell people I am not afraid." A part of my need to recount the story of mom's last days is in service to my grief--we need to tell our stories to help process them. And some of the retelling is to provide hope, because she was graced with a peaceful death confident in the hope of the resurrection. I know for many of us that is not what has happened with our loved ones. And if that is your story, I am so sorry and I pray for healing for you and trust and believe the healing has already happened for your loved one who is now held in the depths of God's love. I have found hope as I face the reality of my own mortality and that of every person I love, in the many beautiful words I have heard by the bedside of those who were transitioning from this life to the next. In the veil of that thin space, new life shimmers.
In today's Gospel reading, after Mary Magdalene, JoAnna, and Mary the Mother of James encounter the empty tomb with fear, they leave with joy and hope, and then they run to tell the resurrection story to the other disciples. Today, we are still telling that story and countless lives have been transformed in the telling and the hearing. Part of our mission as Easter people, as Christ-followers, Christ-bearers, is to tell our resurrection stories.
Grace and Peace,
Mary Bea+
Question for Self-Reflection:
What is/are your resurrection story(ies)? Are you in need of a resurrection story?
If so, who might you reach out to and ask them to share?