They Didn't Understand
We might feel this Easter weekend was a challenge but imagine the weekend Mary and the Disciples had thousands of years ago!
They didn’t know who would betray Jesus. They didn’t know the Passover mean was literally Jesus’ Last Supper. They didn’t understand the significance of Jesus’ words, “this is my body/blood; do this in remembrance of me” while he was blessing the bread and wine at the meal. Those whom were there didn’t realize that Jesus washed their feet, even though he knew they would not be there with him when he needed their support the most. They didn’t understand why Jesus didn’t fight back or try to get those who arrested him to understand that what he was accused of doing was a lie.
Instead they reluctantly let him was their feet because they knew and loved Jesus enough to know when he set his mind on something, he was going to go through with it. They continued to pledge their devotion to him, even though they couldn’t even stay awake with him in the Garden of Gethsemane. They stood paralyzed with fear when Jesus was arrested, was tried, beaten and nailed to a cross. This was all too much for them to really understand; many of them were unable to stay until the very end.
What they didn’t know is that this was Jesus’ fate all along. This was the endgame from the onset. They didn’t understand Jesus was to fulfill the scriptures to the full extent or else his death didn’t mean anything. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ death was NOT the end. They were hulled up, hiding when they heard the news of the empty tomb; can you imagine their confusion? guilt? fear? paid? sadness?
As Christians we know the whole story and already understand the significance of it all. We get to step into each of the days of the Paschal Mystery, without the mystery. We know how each day holds special meaning to us, and can help us to better navigate the challenges in our lives through the example Jesus set. We understand that each day teaches us something new and that it had to happen the way that it did in order for us to gain the knowledge we need to carry on.
Today, our ability to share in and accept the stories of Jesus’ last days had to transpire in order for us to have the life we have before us, brings us joy. We know the end of the story. We know Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins and rose from the dead to give us everlasting life. The disciples didn’t know this!
Though this year, our Easter celebrations were altered and we were unable to have our typical celebrations, we still hold onto the joy. I pray you were still able to connect to the things that are important to you (faith and family for me). In this time of SIP/COVID-19 restrictions, we are living Holy Saturday. We don’t know what is next or when we will live days without face masks, but we know there is the promise of the resurrection…it will come! Jesus will break us free to enjoy the new life he promised! Alleluia!
