What a difference a day makes. This week’s gospel reading* from Luke opens in the evening hours of the third day following Jesus’ crucifixion. It culminates in the dawning of a new understanding of relationship with God, as followers of Christ.
The transformative experience begins at dawn that day, with the discovery of the empty tomb. Jesus appears to his followers, offering peace. His followers express fear and confusion. Their understanding of the world is unraveling. Resurrection has occurred, even if its meaning is elusive.
Don’t be afraid. All is well. Even if it doesn’t seem so at first glance. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently invites his followers to take a deeper look and not be satisfied with superficial interpretations of how things are. Feel the wounds and enter into the scriptural story like me, he says. Through a shared meal, Jesus is known. Relationship is restored, minds are opened, and a fresh understanding of God’s perspective dawns. Everything is the same; everything is different. What comes next could only be described as call: go and bear witness to others about this reordering of reality from a Christ consciousness.
Where does this cycle of dying to individual consciousness and birthing to Christ consciousness begin or end? I rejoice in the wisdom of plants who effortlessly pass from birth to death to rebirth. I wish for the certainty of oceans whose faithful ebb and flow express their unique gifts. I learn from my cat’s effortlessness in “just being” all day long. I give thanks to my Creator whose love is embodied in these examples of righteous living and who patiently, continually, invites me to recognize my place in the family of creation. Jesus is there to show me the way.
It’s a new day and we are again invited to live as resurrected beings. Peace be with you. Don’t be afraid. All is well.
