It’s interesting how the first Easter was marked by a kind of frenzy. The Gospel of John says the first response to Easter was not praise, or joy, or even fear. The first response was to run! When Mary saw the body of Jesus was gone, she responded by running. She ran to tell Peter and the beloved disciple. Then, Peter and the beloved disciple dashed off in a sprint to see the tomb for themselves.
Why is there so much running in this story? Obviously, over the concern that the body of Jesus was missing. When we hear a loud clap, or receive unexpected news, we all react physically: we jump or fall back.
On Easter Sunday, Jesus’ body was missing. Something unexpected had happened. They could not just sit still. They ran. They had to run.
Yet, there was something else. They did not know it at the time, but they were running toward the future, toward a new way of life. They thought they were running to find a missing body. But when they finished their running, heard the voice of Jesus, the risen Lord changed their life.
We too find our lives filled with a lot of running. Running to meet deadlines, running to see people, running to another appointment. Running, running, running!
May I suggest taking the effort to slow down and hear the voice of God in Jesus. When Mary stopped her running, she heard Jesus speak her name. She heard the voice of God’s word of new life in Jesus. Then, she became a new creation.
Easter is a season. It takes time to grow into the things of God. In your rushing, slow down and listen for God’s word of new life in Jesus. Mary did, and it made a difference in her life. It can happen to you as well.
Rev. Curtis Fussell