A prayer for Resurrection life
In the gospel for the Easter Vigil, we hear Jesus address his disciples, “Do not be afraid!”
It is easy to be afraid these days, with death present all around us, urgent concerns swirling in our hearts and our homes and our bank accounts, new social restrictions introduced daily, loved ones made vulnerable the world over and growing uncertainty around how this will all end.
And yet we are not alone. The blossoms on the tree spring forth, the daffodils emerge from the earth and the light shines. The neighbor reaches out to bring resources and care to the neighbor. The common good is incarnate and actionable, love grows and hope remains.
The reality of the Resurrection does not dismiss the reality of our aching, suffering world. Easter is a testimony, a witness, that life continues to persist even through the darkest of nights. Love cannot be extinguished by death.
However, when Jesus returns to his disciples at Easter, they do not immediately recognize him. “While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:15-16). Resurrection life takes new forms and new modalities, and our eyes blink as we adjust to the light.
God of Resurrection Hope, you are with us even now.
You are with us in the buds of the trees and in the songs of the birds.
You are with us in our neighbors and colleagues, family and friends.
You are with us in death and darkness and uncertainty.
Let us have the eyes to see and the ears to hear your words anew this day: “Do not be afraid.”
We are not alone.
May Easter hope awaken our hearts to renewed forms of love and life all around us.
May we be present to the new modalities by which your Spirit is manifest in our relationships, institutions, communities and world.
May we know Resurrection life.
Amen.
Offered by Theresa Ladrigan-Whelpley, Vice President for Mission Integration (April 13, 2020)
Each Monday and Wednesday, SALVEtoday will provide a prayer of reflection for the University community to reflect upon during this time of remote living and learning. Save and share this designed prayer below on social media. #salvesgotthis #mercymondays
Featured photo by Getty Images/itasun
