An Easter Legacy

Many gifts flow from the Resurrection of Jesus—to us, through us—gifts of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. 

This year, the Resurrection opened up a place in my heart for Hope. 

I think of the story of the first followers of Jesus. For three years, they had followed Jesus and witnessed healings and pastoral care interactions with those on the road. They listened to teachings about right relationships and care for the poor, the destitute, the lonely, and the grieving. Everyone was welcome. There were no exceptions. The first followers were not only observers of the Way; they were being formed in a Way of Life. 

And then, on Easter morn, after experiencing the death of Jesus, they found an empty tomb. The One in whom they had placed all their hopes and dreams, the One they loved deeply, the one who loved them as they were, was gone. Nothing remained. There was only emptiness, a void, a hole in their hearts where love had lived. 

And the bigger question, the immediate question: Now what? What do we do? Where do we go? In their grief and emptiness, they turned to each other. They stayed together. When they could find the words, they began to tell stories and share their memories of Jesus. Remember when Jesus fed the multitude with five fish and two loaves? And there were leftovers! All were amazed.

Or when he healed the man born blind, and the religious leaders were confounded! The man's family and friends hedged on accepting this. 

And on and on the stories went. I imagine these first followers laughed and cried and missed Jesus even more.

And then Jesus appeared to them. 

Some believed immediately. 

Others needed more time! 

Most did not recognize him. 

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, and it was empty. Jesus spoke to her, but she thought he was the gardener. It was only after Jesus spoke her name ever so gently and lovingly that Mary recognized him (John 20:11 – 18). Mary was the first to see and recognize Jesus and the first to be sent to reveal to others that Jesus had risen. 

Other followers were in hiding, filled with fear. Jesus appeared to them, offering them Peace. (John 20:19 – 20). When he showed them the marks of crucifixion on his hands and side, they believed. 

Thomas was not with them at that time. When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas put his hand on Jesus’ hands and side. Jesus said, Because you have seen me, you have believed. 

Blessed are those who have not seen me and believe. (John 20:26 -29)

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of Jesus. There is no Resurrection without living, dying, loving, and being loved. In the gospel stories, we see how Jesus lived, offering. In the Acts of the Apostles, we discover the struggles of the early Christians as they tried to live what they experienced in Jesus – the triumph of hope over despair, peace over conflict, and life over death. Jesus showed them another way, a better way, and in their following in his footsteps, they became the living legacy of Jesus.

What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean for us today, in 2024, with a world in turmoil, a nation divided, and families and friends estranged? How are we called to be the living legacy of Jesus in our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and world? How would our lives be different? How would our world be different if we really believed in the power of the Cross and the triumph of Jesus over sin, death, darkness, and despair? What would it be like to live as a people of hope?

On this Easter 2024, let us stand together in the Light of the Risen Christ. May we increasingly live in the legacy of Jesus's hope, joy, peace, and love. What Jesus has done for us, may we do for one another. 

Happy Easter.

Sr. Patricia Torre, DW, 3/2024