Luke 24: 12
12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.
Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,
and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Now the historical details of Easter morning get a little more vague. Like most reports of an accident, each observer remembers the facts differently. All four gospels agree that the women went to the tomb. All agree the tomb was empty, the body gone. Most even agree that some sort of divine being, an angel, one or two, inform the women that Jesus is risen. Now the reports begin to take on texture. John shares that the women returned to the apostles and Peter and another apostle ran to the tomb to check out the story. Luke reports that Peter ran to the tomb. Mark does not mention the apostles. Matthew reports that the women on the return met the risen Christ. The details of who told whom do not change the dynamics that first morning that Jesus was risen.
According to Luke, Peter checked out the report for himself but was still wondering. What does Christ being risen mean? Would he resume normal life like Lazarus had done? The meaning is still unfolding. When we marry, we commit to another but we do not really know how that relationship will unfold. When we have that baby, we are committed even if medical care is needed or other complications occur. The acceptance letter to college does not help us understand the hours of lectures and study that will be necessary nor does it guarantee what degree we will finally accomplish. “The Lord is Risen” is the starting point of the Easter season that will gradually mean more and more as we investigate the various reports of people who actually encountered the risen Christ.
Let us take a moment and remember that original point of faith that started our spiritual journey. There have been good days and hard days! There have been the spiritual highs of “mountain top experiences” and for many of us the “dark night of the soul” as we struggle with doubt, disappointment, and a seemingly silent partner in this relationship. Ups and downs. Perhaps like Peter you heard, you saw, and you still wonder what it all means. If there is one question you would like the Holy Spirit to answer during this Easter season, write it down and turn it over to God in prayer. May we pray with the man who brought his son to Jesus after the Mount of Transfiguration, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
On the Way to Wonder 