Walk in the Light – An Easter Meditation on John 20:1-9

Rev. Robert Miller, from his book Fire in the Deep (Sheed & Ward, 2001)

A decade ago, after years of illness, my mother went to her eternal reward.

As she “made her transition”, we who stood at her grave missed her greatly but
would not have wished her back.

My mother had “fought the good fight” of cancer, aging and dementia,
and now had “won the race”.

Coincidentally, a strong wind blew around us as we stood around her grave.

We all sensed a final Message in this: “No longer do I suffer here,
wrapped in bodily weakness.

I have left this tomb behind!

Now I walk in the Light!”

“The other disciple outran Peter …
and saw the wrappings on the ground.

He saw and believed.” (Jn. 20:4-8)

Too many people today walk through life caught up in facades, fears and falsehoods.

Though technically still alive, they are already dead – wrapped in burial cloths of depression and fear,
trapped in tombs of their own making.

“‘Untie him’ Jesus told them, ‘and let him go free!’” (Jn. 11:44)

The worries and concerns of this world have a way of wrapping us tight in a death-grip
and holding us bound and burdened.

Self-important concerns preoccupy us, even as the Wind would blow them away.

Some travelers through this world even get trapped up in “stinkin’ thinkin’” –
truly unhealthy patterns of  compulsive neediness, obsessive fearfulness,
depressive negativity.

And occasionally everyone born into time cannot help but feel “trapped” by
this limited human condition – its struggles and uncertainties,
its frustratingly close encounters with True Happiness.

But today we get the “Big Picture” from God!!

Easter is our “Reality check”, reminding believers of the Reality of Resurrection Life
in the face of the Death of this world’s tombs!

“Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?” (1 Cor 15:55)

This world’s fears are obliterated, human preoccupations vanish
in the flash of eternity’s Light.

“‘Untie him’ Jesus told them, ‘and let him go free!’” (Jn. 11:44)

Today, our great and mighty God, (whose Power tore apart the wrappings of death
and traps of this earth) has a message for you.

“The law of the Spirit has freed you from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:2)

So – leave your tombs behind!

Walk in the healing Light that eternal Life sheds upon this world’s false facades!

Roll away those heavy stones from the tombs of your minds!

Free yourself from the traps imposed by compulsive fears, sceptical worries,
and social preoccupations.

Walk out into the bright Easter Light of eternal Hope in Jesus
and soul-soothing Peace in the Spirit!

“I will give you a new heart, and place a new spirit within you.” (Ezek. 36:26)

Embrace this “Easter Fire” in your Deep places, this new Strength for your weary old life.

Walk confidently in the brightness of a new Easter Day – a Day of Hope and Healing
the risen Lord has gifted to you!

Grab ahold of this Power for Life, that will spring up for you even in the very face
of death itself!

Seize that sweet, sweet Spirit that energizes, empowers, emboldens you to live!

WALK IN THE LIGHT!