Resurrection
“Our memory of Jesus’ resurrection fails us if we only understand his resurrection as a miracle. Jesus’ resurrection was indeed a miracle; however, Jesus’ resurrection needs to be more than a miracle. It needs to be normal … every day … how we live and breathe: with resurrection power.”—Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE, from “Brother, Give Us a Word,” a daily email sent to friends and followers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE.org).
Easter Trinity Cathedral Banner a gift from Charliss in memory of her father
This is at the heart of spiritual direction, helping spiritual friends see daily, yearly resurrection in their lives in the daily Good Fridays that present themselves. It often takes more than three days to become aware of these resurrections. However, as we become more conscious of the resurrections, we become more open to trust and a little more patient that there will be a resurrection from each new darkness we face.
My experience is that I most often draw closer and spend more time with God during the darkness. On the dark Good Fridays of my life, I learn about surrender, where I “re-turn” my life and my will over to God.
A close family member or friend dies. We learn about the sacredness of life and spend more time living in the present with gratitude for each day. We learn to honor and be grateful for our relationship by extending to others the love and kindness we knew in that relationship.
Our children act out. We see our part in it and try to change our relationship with them.
Our job becomes more and more difficult. But then, we finally leave it, or maybe even are fired. But, after much time, we find a job that is our bliss.
A medical illness slows us down. We seek a more meaningful life by living at a slower pace, a day at a time.
We are caught in our addiction and lose our job. We change our whole lifestyle and outlook to live without the addiction.
Someone has harmed us mentally, physically, or spiritually. Over time, we realize that unless we can forgive and move on, that person is still hurting us. We then slowly learn about daily forgiveness for the small hurts we feel each day.
Miracles become the ordinary. We see God at work in our lives. Resurrection.
A gift of the past pandemic was to slow down our lives and live in the present moment. Slowing down is one of the best ways to see ordinary miracles. This is resurrection.
Today, our prayers are also for those whose lives could not slow down, especially our healthcare workers and first responders.
Joanna joannaseibert.com https://www.joannaseibert.com/