Resurrection Joy: One Step at a Time

I find myself in a sort of liminal space these days. Having recently laid my father to rest and now beginning to discern my life and mission going forward, I am as if standing in an empty tomb – like the empty tomb Mary Magdalene stood in after Jesus’ resurrection. Not that I compare my life with hers, but the idea of uncertainty and waiting for clarity emerges in my mind and heart. I stand in a space only God can fill.

Mary Magdalene was the first to arrive at the tomb before sunrise on that first resurrection morning. Mourning the death of her teacher and Lord, Mary came upon an empty tomb. I imagine it shocked and confused her. Fearing that someone may have stolen Jesus’ body she ran to tell Peter and the other disciples what she had seen.

I wonder what thoughts and feelings would have gone through me if I were standing where Mary stood. Disbelief and confusion would have certainly washed over me and I might have stood there, frozen in fear and awe. Mary Magdalene would have witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and stood beneath the cross as he breathed his last breath. She and Jesus’ mother had not fled in his final despairing moments. They had been present, steadfast to the end, much like my own brothers and sisters did in my father’s final days.

Slowly processing my own father’s passing from this life, I am left wondering about my next steps. Mary Magdalene inspires me to move outside the tomb, to go forth proclaiming the Good News in whatever way I decide. Along the way, I believe, my grief will become resurrection joy.

Wherever you find yourself on your particular road, perhaps you can allow this woman of faith and courage to inspire your own steps forward.