IN THE STILLNESS

APRIL 12, 2018

Matthew 28:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version NRSV)

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then 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.” ⁸ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Let us pray.

Eternal God, we have tried to create You as human – a curmudgeon with a wild white beard and a growing list of our wrongs – glaring down at us from heaven. Holy Christ, we have made you our fall guy – we do what we want without a second thought leaving You stand up to the Curmudgeon – after all You’re the angry One’s Son, You can handle it. Blessed Spirit we have created You to be no more than a refreshing breeze powerless to do more than rustle the window curtains when we feel lonely. Lord God! Restore in us a sense of awe and reverence for Who You really are – not what we have made You to be. Recreate us and let us realize Your uncreated nature and grace-filled might and love for each of us – no matter what we have done. Keep us mindful that it is we who fall – You Who rise and seeks to lift us up into Your Light filled presence. Open us to the powerful truth of Your mighty wind that clears creation of itself so that we can become truly Yours. AMEN.