As we celebrate the Easter Octave, I wanted to share a reflection written by Eileen Keller, a friend from the Diocese of Charleston, SC, who has some beautiful advice about how we can continue to live out the joy, hope and peace of Easter. Enjoy!
The Gospel of John 20:11-18 tells the account from Resurrection morning, where Mary Magdalene sits at the empty tomb, weeping in her grief. John tells us Jesus spoke and twice she turned. You could say she turned and re-turned. She didn’t recognize him. It was only when the second time he spoke to her that she heard him say her name, “Mary”, that she turned again —she knew it was Him, so attuned she was to the sound of His voice speaking to her heart, saying her name with love and mercy. And then, Jesus gives Mary her mission, her direction: to share THE GOOD NEWS with the others.
Have you ever looked for a radio station and you search for the signal, turning the knob this way and that, to get to the sweet spot where there’s no static and a clear signal? It can take time and a delicate touch to tune in. Or how about our navigation apps. It takes listening attentively for the next direction and the turning points, to arrive at our destination.
Mary, by being tuned in and listening attentively, she is able to have that precious encounter with the risen Lord. And that sometimes takes turning or “re-turning” to Him who loves you so.
Persistence is the key here. Just keep trying. Take those opportunities for course correction if you don’t like where you’re headed. Here’s 4 easy ideas in these Easter days to turn to the Lord where He may be found.
These are just examples of ways you can make a “re-turn” to the Lord for all He has done.
Easter Blessings and Peace!
