By Shannon, Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program
Please note that while the written text can be found below, those who prefer audio recordings are asked to click “play” to listen to Shannon’s recording of the text.
Friends, the state of the world is changing. But I don’t have to tell you that! Countless words have been shared outlining this in recent months, so I will not add to them. At least not in the conventional way. I do however want to explore how the light of Easter broke upon me this Eastertide. I wonder how the Light of Easter has shown upon you? Easter does change the world because it changes us.
Christ’s ultimate triumph, his once-for-all victory over sin and death; over everything that keeps us bound to destruction and the areas of life that are not life-giving, always re-energizes me, encouraging me to continue my striving to live more fully a life of love and welcome and joy. In this glorious story we hear the remarkable truth that Death has not triumphed. Fear does not have the last word and we are challenged in these days to claim that ever more deeply.
For me, Jesus’ victory over all that does its best to hold me down, is clearest in the song-birds and the bursting of life from the seemingly barren, tired soil. Creation fairly shouts it with every budding tree, every blade of spring grass. Sometimes, this victory, mirrored in creation, leaves me staggering and breathless- like it did this year. In my faith tradition, at the Easter Vigil, there is the glorious taunt:” Oh Death, where is your victory? Oh Death, where is your sting?!” And the daffodils across the street, in the strip of grass between two tall buildings, roared it.
Like the disciples and the daffodils, we too can say “we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14) and, I would add, victory and promise.
But where? You may ask. Where do I see Christ’s glory in today’s new landscape?
I see it in acts of kindness. In the families that walk the sidewalks. In the children’s carefree laughter. In the faithfulness of the medical and shelter staff who continue to help the most vulnerable among us.
And where do I see Christ’s grace and truth?
In those who extend patience when we who are overwhelmed or scared or just plain worn down, lash out. In homemade posters taped to living room windows. In the way we are slowing down and looking up and around and taking deep breathes in cities that are clearing of smog.
These are resurrection signs for me. These are Christ’s Glory Moments. Where are Christ’s Glory Moments in your life?
“It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them.” (John 20:19)
Can you see it? The shock of triumph in the midst of them? The moment fear fled to be replaced by joy? Just as Jesus appeared to them amid their fear and confusion and despair, so too he appears to us in his resurrection glory. For “I love you, says the Lord, “and I will not abandon nor forsake you. Take courage, I have overcome the world. Peace be with you!”
