Reflections
It has been a rather long and hard winter. Needless to say, a few days in late February and in early March of springlike temperatures seems to have put a smile on many people’s faces. Even though at times it has seemed as if winter would never give up its grip, the hint of spring gives us all hope, despite the fact that we all know that winter is not behind us yet. It seems as if we can deal with a lot of discouragement as long as we have some glimmer of better things ahead.
The disciples and followers of Jesus were on the brink of losing that hope during Holy Week. They had thought on Palm Sunday that everything would turn out just liked they imagined. Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem. Like a conquering hero, people couldn’t get enough of Him. But then things changed. Jesus was arrested, the crowds turned against Him. He stood alone before Pontius Pilate, and He was forced to carry His cross through the streets until He reached Golgotha. Jesus seemed alone now except for His Mother, a few women, and St John. Everyone else was in hiding, afraid and with good reason. What hope could they find in this? Had Jesus been wrong? Was their hope misplaced?
Then came Easter morning. Just when it seemed all was lost, this incredible scene unfolds - the stone has been rolled away, and the tomb is empty. An angel tells the women not to be afraid, Jesus has risen, and He is not in the tomb. Hope has been restored. The angels also tell Mary Magdalene and the women to go their way and tell His disciples; tell the world what has happened! Let us in our tribulations not be tempted to lose this hope and instead tell the good news of Jesus arisen!
Keith +
