An Easter Legacy

There are many gifts that flow from the Resurrection of Jesus - to us, through us, - gifts of Hope, Joy, Peace, Love.

This year for me, the Resurrection opens up a place in my heart for Hope.

I think of the story of the first followers of Jesus. For three years they had followed Jesus, witnessed healings and pastoral care interactions with those on the road. They listened to teachings about right relationship and care for the poor, the destitute, the lonely, the grieving. Everyone was welcome. There were no exceptions. The first followers were not only observers of the Way, they were being formed in a Way of Life.

And then, on Easter morn, after experiencing the death of Jesus, they found an empty tomb.

The One in whom they had placed all their hopes and dreams, the One whom they loved deeply, the one who loved them as they were, was gone. Nothing remained. There was only emptiness, a void, a hole in their hearts where love had lived.

And the bigger question, the immediate question: Now what? What do we do? Where do we go? In their grief and emptiness they turned to each other. They stayed together. And when they could find the words they began to tell stories, to share their memories of Jesus. Remember when Jesus fed the multitude with 5 fish and two loaves. All were amazed. And there were leftovers!

Or when he healed the man born blind, and the religious leaders were confounded! The family and friends of the man hedged on accepting this.

And on and on the stories went. I imagine these first followers laughed and cried and missed Jesus even more.

And then Jesus appeared to them.

Some believed immediately.

Others needed more time!

Most did not recognize him.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, and it was empty. Jesus spoke to her but she thought he was the gardener. It was only after Jesus spoke her name ever so gently and lovingly, Mary, did she recognize him (John 20:11 – 18). Mary was the first to see and recognize Jesus, and the first to be sent to reveal to others that Jesus had risen.

Other followers were in hiding, filled with fear. Jesus appeared to them, offering them Peace (John 20:19 – 20).   When he showed them the marks of crucifixion on his hands and side, they believed.

Thomas was not with them at that time. When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas put his hand on Jesus’ hands and side. Jesus said, Because you have seen me you have believed.

Blessed are those who have not seen me and believe (John 20:26 -29).

Today we celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.

There is no Resurrection without living and dying, without loving and being loved.

In the gospel stories we see how Jesus lived, offering. In the Acts of the Apostles we discover the struggles of the early Christians as they tried to live what they experienced in Jesus - the triumph of hope over despair, of peace over conflict, of life over death. Jesus showed them another way, a better way and in their following in his footsteps they became the living legacy of Jesus.

What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean for us today, in 2024 with a world in turmoil, a nation divided, families and friends estranged? How are we called to be the living legacy of Jesus in our families, in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and in our world?  How would our lives be different, how would our world be different, if we believed, really believed, in the power of the Cross and the triumph of Jesus over sin, death, darkness and despair? What would it be like to live as a people of hope?

On this Easter 2024, let us stand together in the Light of the Risen Christ. May we become more and more the living legacy of the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Jesus Christ. What Jesus has done for us, may we do for one another.

Happy Easter.

 Sr. Patricia Torre, DW