Millions celebrated Easter yesterday, recognizing the power of a divine Man two thousand years ago. He came into the world to change us forever.

Amidst our prosperity and success as measured by the world’s yardstick, we still haven’t conquered our despair. Despite our wealth and technological advances, we live in an America with high levels of poverty, health disparities, and the worst drug addiction crisis in the history of the country. Many people search desperately for a way to escape the world whether it is phone addiction, extramarital affairs, pornography, bullying or easy access to drugs. I have my escapes where I tune out the world including visits to the SSJE Monastery in Cambridge, MA, music, golf and wine with friends.

Rather than finding new ways to escape, what if we worked together for a world that we can be proud of, one where we aren’t constantly trying to be somewhere or someone else? The Resurrection gives us the answer.

As we contemplate the story of the tomb, we see women approaching cautiously, but then confused when they don’t find a body. We hear that they go tell the disciples, but it is too unbelievable a story, particularly when told by a woman. It is the women that start piecing the story together. They remember that Jesus said that the temple would be rebuilt in three days and that He hadn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.

This photo is from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist Monastery in Cambridge, MA. I like the distinction between the brilliantly lit candle that stuns us with its light and the two unlit candles, so very close, but so very far away.

With the Resurrection, our hearts should be on fire with the Good News of the Risen Lord, just like the women at the tomb. Which will you be? The candle that burns so brilliantly in the world, or the one who continues to try to escape the flame?

Blessings, my friend,
Agatha

#SSJE