Hello
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat and reflection.
“She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”” John 20:14-15 NLT
It is interesting to note that not one of the Gospel narratives names a disciple who recognizes Jesus at the onset. Not in Matthew, not in Mark. Not in Luke. Not in John. Not to the men. Not to the women. Was that due to material expectations or further proof of Isaiah’s description that Jesus had no form nor comeliness, no distinguishing features? Mary even mistook Him for the Gardener!
What about you? If you were to bump into Jesus today, would you recognize Him? Especially if you don’t see the scar-marks from nail, sword and thorns. Or would you be searching for a blue-eyed, blond-haired fellow with a clean white robe and heart encased in thorns?
I sincerely believe that the clue to identifying Jesus is in our relationship – with the little things. His way of breaking bread, of calling one’s name, of calming life’s storms.
What is it about Jesus which reaches deep down in that special place reserved for impactful experiences? For in those moments of despair, desolation, distress, death and/or dis-ease; the fulsome resurrection power of Jesus lies in our ability to find Him there. With us. Like magic. Being revealed as our Christ wherever and whenever we need His assuring presence!
On the road.
In a secluded room.
In the gardens of the cemeteries of our lives.
In the moment when all hope is gone and tears are eminent (or spent).
Awaiting our moment of private personal connection. For the openness to discern Who He is. In that moment of grace, just a heartbeat away.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
