Personal Resurrections and Empty Tombs

On occasion, my friends have commented that my mind sometimes has a way of seeing things with a unique twist. The subject of this blog might be a case in point. Thinking ahead on the Resurrection and the empty tomb, this thought came to me.

Perhaps the empty tomb is an apt symbol for that inner space within oneself which holds the memory of hurts now healed. There’s no denying the reality of painful experiences. In truth, the journey to healing is one’s own resurrection experience. Through healing, the painful memories are quieted but not forgotten. We are set free from their hold on us. We find ourselves more alive. Such is the Good News we can celebrate this Easter.

Nancy Wales CSJ

The Easter Challenge

You believe because you can see. "Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29)

Every year it happens: earth shakes her sleepy head, still a bit wintered and dull, and feels new life stirring.

Every year cocoons give up their treasures, fresh shoots push through brown leaves, seemingly dead branches shine with green, and singing birds find their way home.

Every year we hear the stories: empty tomb, surprised grievers, runners with news and revelation, unexpected encounters, conversations on the road, tales of nets filling with fish, and breakfast on a seashore.

And every year the dull and dead in us meets our Easter challenge:

• To be open to the unexpected,
• To believe beyond our security,
• To welcome God in every form,

And trust in our own greening.

Joyce Rupp

From Out of the Ordinary, Copyright 2000 by Joyce Rupp. Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.