I once heard that when Jesus rose from the dead it was like someone being killed on death row in Texas and a few days later his friends said he was alive and risen from the dead. Jesus was considered a criminal and killed by Romans on cross. The comparison was made to show how unbelievable and awkward the followers of Jesus would feel. On one hand they knew he had risen from the dead and the other had they knew no one would believe them. It was not until Pentecost, weeks later, the Spirit of God descended in the form of fire and wind on them that they had the courage to go out to preach that Jesus who had died on the cross was raised from the dead.
Many of us seem to live life between Easter and Pentecost. We believe Jesus has risen and is alive but quite do not have to courage go out and preach and practice the Word of God. Mystics tell us that what we seek, the fire and courage to speak and act what we preach, is inside of all of us. God lives in us but it takes interior silence and peace to hear, see, touch and feel God in us.
Pat and I went up north to celebrate Easter with our son, his wife and our three grandchildren. Visits to their rural home are always joyful. But as the children become older and parents become more involved and busy life has changed. Outside of the great dinner we all enjoyed together, everyone, including myself, was involved in electronic devices or talking about an upcoming trip to Disney World next fall or watching the March madness basketball games on TV. I did manage to take a walk but the only other person interested in joining me in this walk in the country was the family dog.
This week I am going to try, once again, to take more quiet time, read, reflect, look inside in silence and just be at times. I feel often that I am afraid to slow down since some buried thoughts and pain will rise to the surface. Then I remember the words of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the women when they saw him resurrected from the grave: “Be Not Afraid.”
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