Aftermath ... and Prologue

It’s been wet and raw today in the Upper Valley. The thermometer reported a temperature of 36 degrees. Some cars have sported snow on their hoods. A gray day makes it hard to believe that Easter is tomorrow.


The idea of new life, of a spiritual spring must have seemed similarly distant to the friends, disciples, and family of Jesus the day after his crucifixion. True, new relationships were already being formed: Mary and the Beloved Disciple would be there to support each other as Jesus has encouraged from the cross. But the reality that everything would be changed beyond recognition, that death had not had the last word, was still not evident.


It’s hard to put ourselves in the proverbial shoes of those first followers of Jesus but it’s worth trying. In doing so, we can open ourselves to the full power of what we will celebrate tomorrow. So, try to be fully present in this day of reflecting on what Jesus has meant in your life, of mourning the crucifixion, of wondering what is next now that Jesus seems to be gone for good. Give it a try. And who knows what surprise you’ll experience tomorrow …

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