Readings:
Acts 4: 13-21
Mark 16: 9-14
Reflection:
Today’s readings highlight the paradox that exists between living as both people of the Cross and as people of the Resurrection.
As followers of Jesus, we can take courage in pain and suffering in our lives and in our world. Looking to the Cross encourages us to bear our own troubles and to stand with others who fall under the shadows of oppression, discrimination and agony. Throwing our lot in with Jesus offers us solace and strength to live daily, with renewed belief that if we can only ‘hang in there’, we will make it through the day. Identifying with others who are in these shadows offers us all a shared bond of unity and support. For all this, as people of the Cross, we give thanks.
However, the Cross offers us so much more … the Cross holds HOPE. The Cross of Jesus inevitably leads to new life and insight. We cannot separate these two realities … it is what Jesus’ death and resurrection is all about for us.
Nobody said it is going to be easy. It is much easier to stay with current realities; however bravely one does so than to live and act out of hope that new life and light can come into our life and into our world. For Jesus’ living and dying to bring us to new life, we need to embrace his example, hold onto the hope and insight he offers, and let our own lives burn brightly with his love. When it is time for our own death, may our own living and dying have brought forth a legacy of hope, love and light for all to share.
Pam Storey is a member of the Passionist Faith Community at Holy Cross, Templestowe, and one of the founding members of Passionist Companions. After a very active and varied family, church and working life, Pam is now focusing on developing a slow spirituality.