Worship and Arts by Young

Our hearts have waited for blooming buds and green blades. Now we would see their blooming soon.  We Christians also have longed for the most significant event. Yes, we yearn for Easter.  We anticipate Easter.

When Jesus died on the cross, people, even the disciples, thought that it was over.  However, it wasn’t the last scene.  After three days of deep darkness, God raised Jesus from death, which means God has defeated the powers of evil and death.  Jesus’ rising from grave is very significant, because “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14).  That’s why we celebrate Easter.  No matter how dark, the time will come when we see the true light, Jesus.

I invite you to take the Easter journey with Mary in John’s resurrection narrative (20:1-18), Mary Magdalene’s dramatic encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.  After Jesus was crucified, early Sunday morning when the dew dampened the still ground, Mary came to the garden tomb, wondering who would roll the stone for her. Instead she found the stone rolled back from the entrance and the tomb empty. Mary was overwhelmed in thinking that Jesus’ body had been taken away.  However, Jesus stood and asked, “Woman, why are you crying?”  Supposing him a gardener, she failed to recognize him until Jesus called her name “Mary.” The risen Lord Jesus commanded Mary to be the first witness of the resurrection.  Therefore, Mary went to the disciples, saying, “I HAVE SEEN THE LORD.”

Mary’s worrying was useless because the stone was already rolled away.  Have there been times when the obstacles have been removed? If so, how did you see it happen? Mary met the risen Jesus at the unexpected place. How often are we too surprised by finding hope in the midst of hopelessness?   How often do we also fail to recognize Jesus? Be attentive to His calling your name; open your eyes and recognize Him. He will renew your strength to carry the good news into the world.  Have you told the good news to others?  Have you joined Mary’s witness, saying, “I have seen the Lord!”  Go tell the Easter story.  He is risen indeed!

Peace be with you,

Young Chung