What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection…but actually to live it…to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday…but what about all the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempted to live it. This week’s faith sharer is Derek Lang.
I hesitated to write this week about the Boston Marathon tragedy. There is something hallowed in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy where we mourn the victims and respect the grieving. But the tragedy weighed heavily on me as I reflected on the resurrection, and perhaps it is appropriate and healing to look to the resurrection in these times.
I have only been able to listen to small segments of the news about the tragedy before getting choked up. But one news story that caught my attention was about businesses in the local area opening up the day after. Their intent was not so much for commerce as it was a way to help through the grieving and recovery process. One florist shared that a gentleman came into the shop after they opened that morning. His intent was not to purchase, but rather just to be there. They were all seeking connection, a way not to be alone – to be with one another and for one another.
In those dark days of Jesus’ death and then jubilation of resurrection, I cannot help but think that the main source of joy for the Disciples was being reunited with their friend again. They had given up careers, homes, and family to be with Jesus. He was their teacher, their spiritual guide, their confidante, and best friend. It was an amazing miracle that he was alive again after a brutal death.
Some might be awed by the power of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the message of salvation. But for the Disciples, I think it was enough – no perhaps everything – for them to just be with Jesus again. To have his companionship and be present together again must have filled their hearts with an incomparable joy. He would leave them shortly to ascend into heaven. But he said he would be with them always. I think it meant something different to them now that they had seen him overcome even death. It was a promise they could count on and find comfort in.
What does the resurrection mean? I think of God present with us again and always. And I am reminded of the chorus to an old, familiar hymn, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.”