It is Easter Monday, the sun is trying to peak through the clouds but those final persistent snowflakes continue to fall.  Easter is such a powerful season.  There is such a wide range of emotions we experience throughout Lent, Holy Week and the Resurrection.  I liken it to the range of emotions we experience during our grief.

The disciples and Jesus’ followers were confused, anxious, angry, afraid, in denial, doubting and withdrawn.  When Jesus was being persecuted, many of the Apostles left Him and withdrew, either because of great fear or sadness.  Following the burial of Jesus, the disciples gathered together in the upper room, where the Last Supper had taken place, a place that was familiar, and a place that brought comfort, a place that was filled with memories of happier times. Together they grieved, cried and tried to comprehend what had transpired.  They were in shock; they did not know what to do next.  I wonder if even their faith was shaken during that time.  Following the death of our loved ones, don’t some of these emotions sound familiar?

Then came Easter Sunday! The Lord had risen from the dead! Jesus’ followers were reunited with Him.  Although the timing is different, (wouldn’t it be nice to be reunited with our deceased in three days?) the outcome is the same.  Because of our Lord’s suffering and death, we will share eternal life with our loved ones.  Your grief will not last forever, but eternal life will.  My prayer for each of you is for our powerful, risen Lord to comfort you, give you strength and carry you through this difficult time.  He has risen!  Alleluia.

 “… and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Nancy Romaine, Bereavement Coordinator