Eastertide Joy in Weeping

I love weeping willows! This photo is of a cherry willow in our front yard that we planted after our dog, Foxy, died. It is our way of memorializing the wonderful 7 years we enjoyed with our precious lab. I still miss Foxy, but her tree gets prettier every year. It is our Springtime reminder of renewal and hope.

Matthew 28 tells the story of the women leaving Christ's empty tomb with "fear and great joy" as they ran to tell his disciples. Then Jesus appeared and greeted them. They "took hold of his feet" (where the nails had been driven), "and worhiped him." Even though the women at the tomb were weeping, the risen Christ came to them and their joy was renewed. Although we don't often get to see and hear the voice of Christ come to us so clearly as he did to the women at the tomb, I believe Christ still comes to us when we weep.

The shortest verse in the Bible is, "Jesus wept." (John 11: 35) It shows that our God cries along with us and is present to us when we suffer loss and heartache. Knowing he is with us can give us comfort and peace as we journey with God together in the sufferings and joys in life. Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed! And his rising assures us that he is still with us "to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:20)

You wept at the death of a friend, O Christ, you showed sorrow at the suffering of others. Grant us the strength to express sadness and the confidence to call forth new life. Open our eyes to see every family as part of one family. Open our lips to speak words of hope. Amen (from: Celtic Treasure: Daily Scriptures and Prayer, by John Philip Newell) http://www.johnphilipnewell.com/