Expectant Hope
Tonya Brown of East Earl, PA, USA
So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, -Ephesians 2:17-19
Upon hearing Mary’s news that the tomb was empty, Peter and John hurried to see if it was true. Nevertheless, after finding Christ was indeed no longer in the grave, they returned home. But not Mary Magdalene; she stayed behind. Why? Could it have been because of her personal experience with Jesus’ tender grace? Or perhaps it was the way His heart had oozed forgiveness, prevailing over the enemy of her soul. Her hope and faith trumped her grief in those silent moments at the Savior’s tomb. Mary Magdalene’s story was one of freedom, one of victory. A believer can see why, against all odds, she remained-optimistic that she might still see (and serve) her Lord. Through tears, she stooped down, once more to peek inside the abandoned tomb. Everyone else had deemed it a dark place of defeat, yet Mary must have believed differently. And, even though she may not have recognized him at first when he called her by name, she knew his mercy had found her again. How sweet his voice must have sounded to her broken heart.
Jesus could have chosen to appear to anyone else first. Yet he found Mary-broken, humble, sanguine Mary. Mary Magdalene’s story reveals the glory of his grace and redemption-from tomb to triumph, and from brokenness to beauty. Hope filled all the spaces in between.
In all truth, there have been more than a few times that required more patience, humility, and faith than I could muster up. In the dark moments of life, it is easy to walk away like Peter and John did that day; but what if we would look for Christ amidst the grief? If we, like Mary, bend down with expectant hope of Christ to show up and call out our name, we, too, will find living hope.
Prayer Phrase
The kingdom of God is among you (Luke 17:21).
Spiritual Practice
Ordinary Time is a season for waking up to what is already here, to the kingdom of God already among us. Spend time each day breathing in the presence of God wherever you are. Notice how simple interactions, tasks, and relationships are sacred opportunities to share and receive God’s love, justice, and peace. Pay attention to the sacred quality of everyday, ordinary life. How is the kingdom of God seeking to be embodied through you each day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
