Monday in the Octave of Easter
This past Holy Week I have been caring for my 90 year old father who is seriously ill. In the midst of his suffering and pain he confided in me that he was having some doubts about his faith. Although he has been a faithfully practicing Catholic all of his life, when faced with the reality of his possible death, it has been hard for him to experience the Easter joy that we celebrate.
With these experiences, it has made me ponder, “How do we live with Easter hope when we are in the midst of the suffering of our Good Friday?” Today’s readings give me a glimpse of how I am called to live this out in my daily life.
In the first reading, Peter is proclaiming the Good News about Jesus. Peter recounts how David was promised that one of his descendents would bring God’s Kingdom to this world. Because of Him (Jesus), David believes that his soul would not be abandoned to the “nether world.” David sings of this as he says “my flesh, too, will dwell in hope.” Peter explains that we have this hope because God did keep His promise of sending us a savior, and the resurrection is a promise not for Jesus, but for all of God’s people. Peter is able to live and speak boldly about our salvation because of the Holy Spirit alive within him.
In the gospel reading, the women are fleeing from the empty tomb when they encounter Jesus. His very first words are: “Do not be afraid.” Although I believe that Jesus is addressing the initial shock and surprise that the woman are experiencing (seeing someone raised from the dead would certainly be a frightening experience), I believe that Jesus is sharing with them a much deeper meaning. Jesus has been in the midst of the darkest and most painful agony. He tells us “Do not be afraid” because He has been there, so when we are in those places, He understands our pain and is with us through it all. Jesus believes in the midst of his suffering that the Father still loves Him. His obedience, acceptance and love is able to transform all of the pain, suffering and hate to the joy and hope of the resurrection. Jesus gives us the model of living which He invites us to imitate. Jesus tells us “Do not be afraid” because He knows that no suffering, pain or even death can separate us from the love of God. Jesus has gone before us to show us how we can live in hope because God and His love has and will always be greater and more abundant that any evil or difficulty we encounter.
As disciples we are called to live in this hope of Easter every day. In our lives we will experience little deaths every day as well as the final death that ends this earthly life. Dealing with suffering, pain, and loss is something that requires more than our mortal fortitude. Peter reminds us we have the grace of God’s Spirit within us as a source of comfort, peace, courage and hope. We also have Jesus and His example of obedience and trust to use as a path for our lives. God also sends us a community of faith that surrounds us, lifts us up, and accompanies us on our journey. Knowing that we are embraced in the midst of this suffering, does not take away our pain, but it allows us to know we are not alone particularly when the future is unknown and frightening.
As I continue to spend time with my Dad, I hope that I can be one of many who embraces him and brings him hope in the midst of his suffering. There are so many people I know that are in the midst of struggles. I pray that as we celebrate the joy and promise of Easter each of us may be able to say, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Loving Father, Jesus has shown us the promise of your love and salvation through his suffering, death and resurrection. Through the grace of Your Spirit, give us the hope we need to live trusting that Your love and grace will always be greater than anything. May we live in this assurance and may our lives of faith give you praise and glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline