Thought for the Week – Easter 2009

Mark 16:1-6 (NIV)

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

Recently I read a lovely story of a masterful sculpture by the Italian sculptor Canova.  It is a relief of a musing angel.  The piece can be found in the Reformed Church at Gyömrő, in Hungary (it also can be viewed at http://www.gyomro.hu/index.php?topic_id=15).  Some that had seen the relief say that the angel is painful and sad.  Some would say quite the opposite, that it has a hopeful smile on its face.  In fact the two camps are not contradicting each other.  They are both correct.  The difference of opinion is caused by the time when they viewed the sculpture.  those seeing it as the sun is setting saw the sad expression; while those looking at it in the rays of the rising sun could see the smile.

The bright light of Easter reveals not only the empty tomb, but brings a hopeful smile onto our faces too.  So often we live in the dark shadow of the cross and that of Good Friday and Saturday.  But the morning light of Easter Day drove out the darkness and its hopelessness.  May we walk in the eternal light of Easter.  For the risen Saviour is the light of the world and all those who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Prayer: Loving God, many blows carved the face of that angel, and there are many painful blows that shape our lives too.  Help us Heavenly Father to realise this Easter time that after the dark nights the certainty of new life is ours because Christ is risen!  Amen