The transformative lesson God taught us during Lent is that the morning will come when you learn how to endure the night. God promised His people, “I will be as the dew unto my people”. Dew is the tiny drops of moisture that appear on cool surface in the early morning. We often see it glistening on plants and blades of grass on clear days.
Dew is usually produced late night or early in the morning before the sun rises. It brings relief to vegetation and livestock by providing water to sustain them when the sun is hottest. Even when rain is scarce, it is possible for dew to form before the sun comes up. In the same way, it is the dew formed during the 40 days of Lent that will nourish your soul and sustain you even after Easter.
Natural dew is produced only when everything is still; the process occurs in the quiet of the night. We have been through the quiet 40 days, now God wants to produce something in our lives on this Easter morning. Yes, joy comes in the morning!
The angel said to the women who came to the tomb, “do not be afraid,” and gives the women instruction to go tell the apostles about Jesus’ resurrection. Again, Jesus appears to them on their way to announce this good news to the apostles, whom he calls “my brothers.” Jesus also tells the women “do not be afraid,” and repeated the instruction they had received from the angel. Jesus speaks to you today, ‘do not be afraid.’ He’s got your back.
Listen, God did not rescue us from sin and death, from the power of darkness to build a community of nervous chipmunks, ever sniffing the air for potential dangers. He actually sealed our lives with his death-defying spirit so that we might act in kind. Yes, he’s got your back.
The Easter experience provides a splendid opportunity for today’s (modern) believers to reconsider their occasionally excessively rational approach to life and the impediment that might pose to “real faith.”
Alleluia! Jesus is risen. Jesus was so determined to liberate us from the shackles of sin. Jesus frees us from undue fear, from every form of intimidation and he secures freedom for us as true sons and daughters of God. Jesus was determined to save us. No wonder, the Pharisees tried in vain. Pilate could not even condemn Him justly. And not even the weight of the stone covering the grave could stop Him. We are so lucky to have Jesus as our Lord and savior.
As Jesus stepped into the garden, you were in His prayers. As Jesus walked into heaven, you were in His vision . . . His final prayer was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was for you. He loves you.
Happy Easter!
Fr. Abraham