The Weeping is Real

 

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 2:36-41~~~ Psalm 33 ~~~ John 20:11-18 ~~~

 

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.

 

While we are in the midst of rejoicing in the Resurrection of the Lord,

we must remember back some two thousand years.

The Blessed Mother and those closest to Jesus were not rejoicing

the Tuesday following the Crucifixion of their beloved Jesus.

 

They were confused and sad; their loved one was no longer physically with them.

They had spent day after day with Jesus.

They had been witnesses to his miracles of healing, compassion, and mercy.

They were present as the one they loved was wrongfully

accused and condemned to death.

 

Even though he told them this was to come; they still had to endure.

They were powerless to stop the cruelty of the passion.

They could only watch, weep, and trust his words promising to return.

They could only stand in hope-filled prayer.

They could not cry out for the scourging to stop.

They could not cry out for someone to help Jesus carry the cross.

They were saddened beyond words as the hammer drove the nails

through his hands and feet.

 

 

As we continue our rejoicing, let this be with the backdrop of the Gospel

story we are given today.

 

If you have experienced the death of a loved one

you know that even granted a vision confirming

them to be in heaven...

you would still experience the loss

 and the emptiness

of no longer having them with you.

You would miss the times you shared together.

 

Knowledge of eternal life does not take away the pain of losing a loved one.

You still must have your season of grieving. 

 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children
and to all those far off,
whomever the Lord our God will call.”

 

Jesus left us the promise of the Holy Spirit...

and it is continuously being fulfilled.

 

God has called each of us to be in his presence...

to spread the good news throughout the world.

 

Whatever sorrow is in your life there also is the promise of God's glory...

the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit.