Christ is Risen!

Alleluia! He is Risen! He is risen, indeed!
But could they see Jesus?

In the days after the resurrection Jesus appears to people over and over again without fanfare, in their ordinary moments. And time after time, people who knew Jesus well don’t recognize him, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for hours. Jesus appears to Mary, crying over His own missing body, and she doesn’t recognize that it is Jesus there to comfort her. Cleopas and the other disciple walk with Jesus, talking about the rumors of Jesus’s resurrection for quite some time, and even dined with Jesus before they realized who was sitting with them at the table. Another morning, the disciples decide to go fishing, and don’t realize that the man who is yelling fishing tips from the beach is Jesus until they pull in their nets. Then, there’s Thomas who refuses to believe that Jesus is who he says he is without proof.

Alleluia! He is Risen! He is risen, indeed, Alleluia!
But can I see Jesus?

When I think about how close Jesus was with all of these people, and how much time they spent together, I can’t help but wonder how many times I have encountered Jesus without recognizing it. Often in times of great joy and deep sadness the presence of Jesus is obvious. But how often have I been like Cleopas, or the disciples, so caught up in current events and my own work that I miss out on a divine encounter? Worse, how often have I been skeptical, and like Thomas, asking for proof of God’s presence or love, refusing to believe without evidence.

The last year has been difficult, memorable because of moments filled with fear, anxiety, doubt, and change. I know God is with me through each moment, and cling to that faith even when it is difficult. I know Jesus is present even when I can’t feel him. The slower pace of the past year has also been wonderful. It has allowed me be more present, able to more easily sense the presence of Jesus in ordinary moments – sharing small talk and a smile with people at the grocery store, sitting around a table at mealtime with my family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Alleluia! He is Risen! He is risen, indeed, Alleluia!
Where can you see Jesus?