TLDR: Thinking of the wonder Mary must have experienced that first resurrection morning as we approach Easter.
Easter greetings St. Dunstan’s family,
Your visual presence is cordially desired as I invite you to utilize your gift of imagination.
Envision swirls of pastel pink, sky, blue, soft yellow, and lilac. Mix in brilliant white, vivid green with a wee dash of orange. These colors appear when I think of Easter morning. Gone is the penitent purple of the Lenten season. Picture the glorious color streaked sky as dawn burst upon earth. Imagine all the joy of creation beaming with exuberance on that very first resurrection morning as the Son had risen.
Picture with me if you can, Mary Magdalene’s response as she gloomily anticipates a dark tomb. Her heart heavy with grief.
As she turns the corner there is a complete reversal of expectations.
The large cold stone sealing the Savior’s tomb had been rolled back from the entrance thus exposing an empty interior. She was completely taken aback, astonished beyond words!
Two men, light cascading over them, stood there. Could it be possible the shimmer of two dazzling angels overwhelmed her? They spoke words she never ever, ever thought she would hear.
“There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.”
There in the cool of the morning among the vast array of flowers heady with fragrance and the trees coming into blossom, allow your eyes to dance in this garden. Take in a deep breath. Then the most incredible thing happens...Mary sees someone she thinks is the caregiver of this garden call her by name. She hears the familiar voice and her entire life is change forever. That morning, the entire world changed.
This Easter, I hope you can experience, like Mary, the freshness of that very first resurrection morning. Jesus calls out to us just as he called to Mary. Listen to the familiar voice who knows you by name, who loves you beyond the beyond. Dear friends, that is not only good news but the BEST news! You are loved, you are known and your belong.
No matter what you have done or left undone, Jesus will meet you wherever you are.
My prayer for you is this: allow the colors of Easter to encompass you as you embrace the best news of all. And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit so you can experience just as Mary Magdalene-an amazing relationship with Jesus.
Happy Happy Easter!
Rev. Leesa+
