Practicing Resurrection
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. John 20. 1
On my walk down to the river this morning, there was a bustle of activity. Though it was still dark, the amphitheatre at the senior citizen's center was lighting up. An Easter moon shone brightly over the road, and a man with several fishing rods in the water was trying his luck at catching something.
The three empty crosses that stand plain all year were lit up and shining in the darkness, ushering in the season of the empty cross.
On my return, I saw a large number of folks with strollers and lights gathering at a little set of benches on the river bank for their celebration.
All practicing Resurrection, I would say. They are waiting, as we all are, for the sun to rise on this glorious Easter Sunday. At 7:11 as the sun peaks over the horizon, we will all join in celebration of the Risen Christ, each in his or her own way, each praying for blessings and graces on this holy day. What are you praying for? How will you practice resurrection this Easter?
As my sister Clare reminded me in anticipation of this day, these words from Wendell Berry's poem sum up beautifully the practice of resurrection this Easter season. I will do well to remember them as I begin that practice again for the first time.
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn’t go. Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
and so we sing:
Though the cock is still crowing, today he reminds me of the greatest love of all which forgives abundantly. May Joy that has no end be yours this Easter Season.
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