Scripture: Matthew 28: 1-15, Luke 24: 1-11

Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw the suffering of Jesus. They had come all the way from Galilee to Jerusalem to offer solidarity and accompaniment to the Suffering Servant.

Seeing the cross from below situates one with the cross-bearing people of the world. The ability to mourn and be with the "crucified"peoples comes from below— from the world of mourning, lamenting, pain, and sorrow.

We are also an Easter people in a culture of death. We are called to write resurrection stories on the lives of those who have lost hope. Let us not be devoid of resurrection stories.

In the recent pastoral letter to the whole church by the United Methodist Bishops, the episcopal leaders say, "The message of resurrection is that love is stronger than all the forces of evil. Furthermore, it is only sacrificial love, not war, which can reconcile people to God and to each other. "

We are a resurrection people. If we do not have a resurrection story, then we need to be afraid of that life. The Risen One is going ahead of us reassuring us, "Don’t be afraid," even Jesus the Christ. Matthew 28:10. We are a Resurrection People!

REFLECTION:

What is your resurrection story?

Sing UMC Hymnal #140 "Great is Thy Faithfulness."