But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead.” Matthew 28:5-7

“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

As the sun rises with healing in its wings,

As night turns to day, I am once again reminded:

I cannot make the sun rise, but I can enjoy its gifts.

All is grace. All is new. All is complete.

Nothing to prove. Nothing to gain. Nothing to do.

Finally, at rest, I can die and every day be reborn.

As the sun rises again tomorrow, may I be awake to receive it.

Reflection: Resurrection. Joy. As the sun rises each day, we are reminded that He has risen. The darkness of night has succumbed to the power of His light and life. He has overcome death and all that death includes: separation, fear, loneliness, anger, hopelessness. Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” How are you enjoying the life of Christ now alive in you? Paul suggests that faith is central. Do you believe? Not that just He has risen, but that He has risen in you! He is alive and at work in you!! This is the joy and hope of Easter. He is at work. You might feel sad and alone and hopeless, but truth is that He is present and active and alive in you. Are you trusting that reality? Spend a few minutes today prayerfully bringing doubts, fears, hurts, and confusion to the empty tomb & tell Jesus that you trust Him.

Prayer: Jesus, there is so much death around me, but I know You are at work. I know and trust that the resurrection has unleashed a new principle in this world … a new principle in my life. When I feel despair, I know that You are still at work unfolding a plan that I might not see for a while. When I feel alone, I know that You are present. When I feel the disappointment of another plan thwarted, I remember that You have plans that are better than what I could ever dream. Jesus, thank You for entering this world and suffering death so that You could bring life. Thank you for entering my life so that death would no longer be my master, but You … my King, my friend, my Lord, the lover of my soul. Amen.