Sunday 08 April 2012

Background

When I am at the lectern and look out at the congregation in mychurch I can see who those at the front are, but those in thecentre become a bit fuzzy, and those at the back, I cannot see atall. I am partially sighted. It doesn't matter how well I knowthem, what we have been through together, or how often they come tochurch. I will not recognise them until I get closer to them at theend of the service. Yet they are there.

Sometimes in the services I lead, I may have a conversation fromthe pulpit - inviting various members of the congregation toparticipate. I usually persuade someone to rush around with amicrophone. Seven or eight people may contribute. After eachcontribution, I thank the person by name, and then move on. I knowwho they are because I have heard their voices. In the blur of poorsight, the spoken word (ie the voice) gives total clarity.

Mary cries out, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not knowwhere they have laid him" (v. 13). Blurred and confused, she doesnot understand. How could she? She sees Jesus face to face and yetshe does not see. How could she? She knows he has died. She hasseen it. Weighed down by grief and fear she mourns as she moans tothe gardener, "Tell me where you have laid him" (v. 15). And thenhe speaks (verse 16). She hears the voice of Jesus - the Word ofGod. There is now total clarity and recognition. Here in the midstof all the hopelessness is God, is hope, and is life.

And she knows - "I have seen the Lord" (v. 18).

Where is Jesus in your life this Easter day? How do you recognisehim? Is he hidden behind your theological rules and questions,behind your doubts, your fears, and your inadequacies? Have youlost the connection, the love, the enthusiasm, theunderstanding?

Where can you hear him?

• In the voices of children at play?
• In the sound of the wind or in the rain?
• In the sound of people travelling by car by bus by foot?
• In the sound of news broadcasts - showing people who need him,love him, don't know him?

Easter is about listening for the voice of hope, no matterhow good or bad things seem. You may not always be able to see (orhear) him, but Easter morning tells us, convinces us, and helps usto acknowledge that "He is risen! He is here!"

To Ponder

How do you experience Jesus in your life?

What obscures your view of him?

When do you hear his voice most clearly?