An
84 year-old mom celebrated Easter with her adult children and heard her
daughter make the comment that she was a tough mother when her girls were
growing up. She was hurt by this remark because she felt that she was always
there for her kids—through their cancer treatments, unemployment, divorces and
assorted problems. She later visited the cemetery and stood in front of the
graves of her parents and husband and asked: “Was she a good person?” Her kids
had put doubt in her mind despite the fact she made sure her kids had
everything they needed in life.
Despite
our best efforts, there are times when we feel that we are “running on empty.” On
Easter morning, the disciples were “running on empty” and wondered did they
make a mistake believing that Jesus was the Messiah?
In the midst of their confusion, doubt and fear, Jesus
shows up and says: “Peace be with you.”
In other words, “Calm down you guys and gals! Chill out! Take
a deep breath. Relax. It’s going to be ok.” That’s not what they were expecting! They were expecting Jesus to give them a
grilling with questions like, “Why did you abandon me? Where were you when I
needed you the most? Why don’t you believe the report of Mary that I have risen
from the dead?”
But Jesus doesn’t criticize. He understands how we
are feeling when we are “running on empty”. He knows about the confusion, the
doubts, the anxiety, the stress, the sickness, and the weariness that fills our
lives and so he comes to us and quietly says, “Peace be with you.” Know that I
am here with you. I am walking
this journey with you. You’re not alone. You can talk to me in prayer. You can
lean on me when you are weak.
When we are “running on empty” Jesus offers us
forgiveness. Forgiveness is a huge re-energizer, because the things that cause
us to run out of energy and drain us emotionally and physically are guilt,
remorse and resentment. Our senior lady nurturing was questioned by her
daughter. How do we let go of our doubts and resentments when people make
negative comments about us? There’s only one way to do that. Forgiveness.
This Easter season let us pray and remember: “ There is forgiveness
with you, so that you may be revered. ” Psalm 130: 4.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are “running on empty.”
The Risen Christ comes to us to renew, refresh and energize our drooping
spirits with a simple message: “Peace be with you.” Relax dear friends, for the
risen Jesus fills us with hope.
