The Stone Removed
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 20:1-10 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:1-2
Meditatio (Meditation)
Have you ever woken up to a day that felt like it held the weight of the world on its shoulders? The kind of day where the sun rises but your heart feels heavy, burdened by grief, confusion, or uncertainty? In today’s passage, we find ourselves in the early hours of a day just like that. The disciples, still reeling from the events of Jesus' crucifixion, are grappling with despair. And now, in the quiet stillness of the morning, Mary Magdalene makes her way to the tomb. Can you imagine the heaviness in her steps as she approaches the place where Jesus was laid to rest? But when she arrives, she finds something unexpected. The stone, once sealing the entrance to the tomb, has been rolled away. Panic sets in. Has someone stolen the body of Jesus? The confusion must have been overwhelming.
In her distress, Mary runs to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. Together, they rush to the tomb. The scene they encounter is one of both confusion and wonder. The linen cloths that once wrapped Jesus' body are lying there, but He is nowhere to be found. Can you imagine the mixture of emotions coursing through their hearts at that moment? Confusion, disbelief, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope beginning to flicker in the darkness. But it's not until they enter the tomb and see for themselves that they truly begin to understand. The tomb is empty. Death could not hold Him. Jesus, the crucified one, has risen from the dead, just as He said He would. In that moment, everything changed. The darkness of despair is shattered by the brilliant light of hope. The disciples, who once cowered in fear, are now filled with courage and conviction. The resurrection changes everything.
Take a moment to consider what you just read. Reflect on the disciples' initial confusion and disbelief, Mary's profound grief, and the dawning realization of the resurrection. How do you relate to their experiences?
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
In our own lives, we may encounter moments of darkness and despair knowing that the tomb is empty and hope is alive. We may face trials that seem insurmountable, and grief that threatens to overwhelm us. But just as the dawn broke on that first Easter morning, so too can the light of hope break through into our lives. The empty tomb is not just a historical event; it is a promise. A promise that no matter how dark the night may seem, morning will come. A promise that death does not have the final word. A promise of new life, of redemption, of hope. Out of death comes life, out of despair comes hope, and out of darkness comes light.
Take a moment to express any doubts, fears, or questions that arise as you contemplate the resurrection morning. Surrender them to God, trusting in His faithfulness and sovereignty. Offer thanksgiving for the hope and new life found in Jesus Christ, and ask for the grace to live in light of His resurrection power each day.
Actio (Action)
But the story does not end there. As John reminds us, "the disciples went back to where they were staying." They return to the familiar, the comfortable, the known. And yet, even in their return, they carry with them the seed of faith—a faith that would eventually transform their lives and reshape the course of history. So too, may we journey forth from this resurrection morning with hearts ablaze with faith. May we embrace the mystery, trust in the promises of God, and walk boldly into the unknown, knowing that He who has conquered death has promised to be with us always. As we go about our day, may we carry the message of resurrection—the message of hope, of redemption, of new life—to a world in desperate need of Good News. And may we, like Mary and the disciples, bear witness to the transformative power of faith in the risen Christ.
Take a moment to consider the areas of your life where you need to embrace the truth of the resurrection more fully. How can you live out the hope and joy of Easter in your daily interactions and endeavors?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, on this resurrection morning, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and awe. Grant me the courage to embrace the mystery of faith, to trust in your promises, and to walk boldly into the unknown. May I carry the message of resurrection wherever we go, spreading hope, redemption, and new life to all who cross our path. Amen.