Easter reflection (4.08–Resurrection Sunday)
When Mary Magdalene went to see the body of Jesus little did she realize that she would get so much than her paying respects (John 20:10-18). The tomb was empty–someone had taken away the body of Jesus–or so she thought. She was asked, “why are you crying” by angels because she wanted to mourn but now that the body was snatched, she was perhaps even in greater sadness. Her deep pain of loss was made even deeper. At that moment upon seeing Jesus, he asks her “why are you crying?” At first she doesn’t recognize him, but after he calls her name, she does and grabs onto him. And she does not want to let go because of sheer joy.
The death of Jesus was the sadest moment in history–all our tears can be caught up in that story. What is making you cry? Why are you crying? Tears are real and needed, but even more powerful is the joy of knowing that He is alive. There is and will be a time when tears itself will be redeemed. In our deepest sorrow, there can be found deep joy. Jesus Christ arose from the grave and all we need to do is cling on to him and trust him, that we too might find joy and rise from the grave. Jesus is alive! Hallelujuah! Now everything’s new.