Saturday, April 19

By John Bonney of Springfield, Oregon, USA

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.

—John 20:1

We walked to the rock in the predawn darkness. A large, bare mound of granite topped the rise in the ground. It was smooth and warm, still holding heat from the previous day’s sunlight. As we waited in darkness, no one talked. It seemed right. The air was still and heavy with potential. It was as if we waited for an expected but unknown appearance—other than the sun.

I lay on that rock and looked to the eastern horizon. I could hear my heart thumping the pulse of blood in my ears, the sound of my breathing, even though I suspect it was shallow. The seconds and minutes ticked on, and we waited. The sky remained dark, and there was no gradual lighting of the heavens by the approaching sun.

Then there was a sense of something about to happen. While we expected the sun to rise from the darkness, the moment the sun appeared over the distant ridge was still a surprise. A feeling of elation filled our hearts. The sliver of light broke and gradually increased until we no longer could look directly at it. The wonder of the moment was profound. The marvelous rays of that life-giving star shined on us with kindness, grandeur, and a mantle of gracious warmth. It was astounding! To this day, almost decades later, I can feel the emotion and the warmth of that moment.

The light of eternity grew and grew in my poor vision until I no longer could look. And, even in my inability to understand or fully appreciate the gift, still, it bathes me in blessing and acceptance. There is in that experience a testimony of the love of the One who creates for the created.

With you, I wait in breathless wonder the approach of the eternal movement of the rock, opening the tomb to shine the Light on the waiting world.

Prayer for Peace

God, who sets alight our life, remove the blinders from our eyes that we may see the Eternal in your creation; that we may see Christ’s vision of peace.

Spiritual Practice: Light

Close your eyes, and become centered with your breath. Reflect on the statement: “The light of God is in all things,” as you breathe gently in and out. The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will see beyond the darkness and know your light will come.