Apr. 16, 2022
Mark says that Mary Magdalene, James’ mother Mary, and a woman named Salome were on the way to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the new Jewish week, “just after sunrise.” We would call that the beginning of a new day. When they arrived, the problem they were worried about had already been solved – the stone had been removed, and a messenger told them the news: Jesus was alive. It was REALLY a new day for them, AND the entire human experience – death had been conquered, and it happened just as Jesus had told them (Luke 24:6-7). As absolutely unbelievable as it all was, the whole thing – the arrest, the trial, the crucifixion, and now… resurrection! – happened just as he said it would. So, if the most incredible thing Jesus said came true, then the other things he said must be true as well. What Jesus said can be trusted, and that means it can be a new day in a whole bunch of ways! The question this Easter is… how will we respond to this new day? Will we trust the things that Jesus has said? Will we take the step of faith and orient our living around his words? Or will we be like the women and let our bewilderment get the best of us?
TAKING IT HOME
Our readings for the week ahead are:
MONDAY, April 18, 1 Thess 3; Psalm 68:19-35
TUESDAY, April 19, 1 Thess 4, Psalm 69:1-16
WEDNESDAY, April 20, 1 Thess 5; Psalm 69:17-36
SUNDAY, April 24, Romans 1; Psalm 73:1-15