Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL:
Throughout our Lenten devotionals we have been considering what it means to “become human.” As Philip Newell suggests in his book, Christ of the Celts, in Christ, we have a witness to the truth of who God created us to be. Christ shows us not only the face of God but also “the true face of the human soul.”
On Easter morning, we arise to find that the tomb is empty and our Lord walks amongst us once more. Christ has been raised and we have been liberated from the power of death. Even so, as we seek to be authentically human, we must experience death – the death of our false selves. But we know that when we face death (whether metaphorical or physical), God invites us beyond to live freely as the beloved persons God has created us to be.
This freedom, this liberation, that comes to us on Easter is not simplistic or well-ordered. The story of Christ’s resurrection already points to this. In the midst of miracle and wonder, there is also fear, fainting and chaos. Yet the women were able to see the truth, they could see their risen Lord.
“To be free is to see new truths emerging in the chaos, to see the Spirit of God hovering over the chaos.” (Vanier in Becoming Human)
As we continue together on this messy journey of becoming human, I pray that we will continually look to Christ as our guide and sense the Spirit hovering close at hand.
NOTE FROM THE EDITORS:
Thank you for joining the students, faculty and staff of Goshen College during Lent for these devotions. We pray they have met a spiritual need for you each day as you have walked through the wilderness and to the cross with Jesus as we have all reflected together on becoming human. We have been blessed to be part of your journey. Join us again when the season of Advent begins (unless you unsubscribe, they will automatically come to you when they start again in late November).
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV)
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”