Being with the resurected Jesus

Wandering through the Bield grounds today, I paused to gaze at the empty cross made more visible through the trees by the draping of the cross in a white cloth, perhaps making reference to the empty tomb and the burial cloths that remained there, it symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ and reminds us of the transformation from death to new life, cleansing and renewal that is offered to each of us by the grace of God.

However as I contemplate the soft folds of cloth hanging from the crosses outstretched arms, I start to wonder how the women who stayed with Jesus would have felt. whilst many other fled, and the disciples looked on from a distance, the women stayed with Jesus to tend to his needs remaining loyal not just until his death but also afterwards. As they waited with Jesus, witnessing, sharing perhaps his pain and suffering, what a torment it must have been. Would they have known or understood at the time of Jesus death what would happen afterwards

Perhaps then it is fitting that the risen Jesus revealed himself first to a woman. It is a woman Eve who takes the apple of that bitter tree that distances us from God our creator, so it seems fitting that a woman - Mary Magdalen is the first to see that mighty gardener, who has planted a tree which brings forth fruit that offers everlasting life. Mary Magdalen is a woman who knew first hand the saving and healing power of the grace of God.

Women. From the Garden of Eden to the hill of Golgotha to the open tomb—and to our very hearts—comes the Easter message that the ground is level at the foot of the Cross, that forgiveness is ours for the taking, the Resurrection Life is available to all who will choose to walk in it. I pray that we may we be inspired to follow the example of Mary Magdalen, to love as she loved, as God loves, extravagantly and indiscriminately.

What is your prayer as you contemplate the resurrected Jesus?