Reflection for Easter Day Scripture:5But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ (Matthew 28:5-7)Reflection:Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!It is no wonder that Mary Magdalene and the others were anxious and scared. They had come to the tomb to “pay their respects” – as we would say – at the grave of their dear friend who had been killed….and the grave was open….and his body was not there. And then…. an angel appeared to them! Not an everyday occurrence!But nor is a resurrection an everyday occurrence!“Do not be afraid,” the angel tries to reassure them. They are witnessing the most incredible event EVER. The angel instructs them to go and tell the disciples.And as they obey what the angel has said, then they meet the risen Jesus….Wow!!! Then they know. Then they “fall on their feet and worship him”. We too can worship our risen Lord today.Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!Happy Easter. Revd David
Scripture:On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11 17-22)Reflection:The responses of the two sisters illustrate how we all have our own unique way of dealing with grief and loss. Martha was outspoken and impetuous. Tired of waiting for Jesus to act in the way she believed he could, she went out to meet him and told him what was on her mind. Mary stayed at home and sought consolation for her loss. When Jesus arrived, she characteristically knelt at his feet, weeping. In our life we may sometimes be like Martha, pouring out all our emotions, positive and negative. At other times we may be like Mary, quieter and more resigned. The wonderful news is that, either way, Jesus understands us and accepts us as we are. We don’t need to cloak our feelings before him. Lyn Hayes
