Dear Jesus (I wonder)

Dear Jesus,

I wonder what it would have been like to be Mary,

walking to the tomb with her friends,

filled with grief.

That deep loss of hope,

That all those miracles were no more

All those words you said gone,

All the kindness you had lost from this world

The way you looked at her,

As though she mattered,

That along with the men she could sit at your feet,

And soak up your love.

All gone.

Then I wonder what it was like for you,

to see someone you love in pain

weeping over your empty tomb.

You knew that kind of grief.

You stood at Lazarus’ grave.

But I wonder if you had a glint in your eye,

a quiet knowing,

a hope not yet seen.

What was it like to stand before her,

and not be recognised?

To speak, and still be hidden?

And then, her name.

“Mary.”

I can imagine the realisation in her face,

The stretch out wrinkles from her tears,

Her wide eyes widening

And her whole body turning towards you

Unravelling to welcome your gaze.

“Rabboni.”

I know that voice,

The one that calms a storm

That holds me steady,

That whispers gently,

That no other voice can quite compare.

I know that voice.

You see me

You forgive me

You know me

You see us

You forgive us

You know us

Jesus achieved the most incredible things through his death and resurrection, for the reconciliation of the world to himself: forgiveness, freedom, victory, salvation, restoration, and all the wonderful things we will be celebrating this Sunday. For all its glorious beauty, this moment was grounded in history, a real man amongst real people who knew and loved him. Revealed first to Mary, a woman he loved and who loved him in return. Let’s take a moment to join Mary and Jesus, to sit at his feet, to dwell in his gaze and to soak up the love in his voice and let’s invite our neighbours to do the same.

Happy Easter!

Jo

Jo Allen

Joint CEO, Rural Ministries