Glimpses of Resurrection
Easter Sunday of The Resurrection of The Lord
Acts 10:34a, 37–43 / Psalm 118:24 / Colossians 3:1–4 / John 20:1–9
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Reflecting on the Word
By Dr. Karla J. Bellinger
My grandpa had a hard childhood. My aunt, with whom he lived in his last decade, said that he never said, “Thank you.” He was a good man, but not one who smiled often.
The day before my brother’s wedding in Los Angeles, our extended family went to Disneyland. My three-year-old daughter and my grandpa and I went to the merry-go-round. Grandpa said that he would stand next to my daughter, Maria. I got on the horse in front of them. An announcement came over the PA: no standing allowed. The music began to play. The horses started to move. I turned around to see how they were doing. My grandpa sat on the dappled gray, going up and down, his arm around that little girl. His face beamed with childlike joy.
A few days after my grandpa died, I was driving our van down a hill. For a brief flash, I sensed him jumping up and down, beaming with that same innocent joy and shouting, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, God!” It was totally unlike the somber grandpa I had known. Was that a glimpse of how heaven had healed him of his earthly sorrows and invigorated him with new life? I don’t know. But if so, how radiantly glorious is the Resurrection!
Mary of Magdala and Peter and John also told of what they had seen and heard. Did they understand exactly what had happened? No. But they saw and believed.
We can gaze at a newborn baby at Christmas. We can stare at the cross on Good Friday. But can we gaze on the Resurrection? It is too bright, like staring at the sun immediately after coming outside from a darkened room. But God gives us glimpses, flashes of resurrection in everyday life.
Consider/Discuss
- One glimpse of the Resurrection is a greater jubilation than any earthly thing. Have you ever had glints or sparkles of the brightness of the Resurrection?
- It takes a lifetime to learn to say, “I too will rise.” And though we do not fully understand it, each day we get closer. Throw your whole self into celebrating Easter today and let God work miracles in you. Hear the deafening alleluias of heaven! Jesus is risen!
Living and Praying with the Word
Jesus, you lay in the darkness of the tomb. Sometimes it feels as though we live in a drab basement with only a nightlight by which to see. The darkness of death threatens to engulf us. But this day, you have taken upon yourself all the wounds of earth. You have risen from the dead! Like the apostles, we don’t really understand that. But today, you are alive! You give us hints of your glory, of the alleluias of heaven. The brilliance of your everlasting day surrounds us. Give us eyes to see! Give us voices to sing your praise!