This morning I am working on next Sunday's message about the resurrection appearances of Jesus while also preparing to care for a family and congregation in the midst of a tragic death.
I take comfort from these words of Tilda Norberg's book, Ashes TRANSFORMED: As you heal more and more deeply, God invites you to be present to both crucifixion and resurrection. ... When you are passionately willing to hold hands with both suffering and joy, entering into the depths of crucifixion and resurrection, you may discover a new and astonishing truth: There is a place of contemplative rest and profound healing between the two. When crucifixion and resurrection mingle in a human heart, it is a sign of God making all things new. Resting here, you do not need to hold onto awareness; rather it holds onto you. You do not need to form words of explanation about what is happening -- indeed you cannot -- but you can allow God to penetrate your being with mystery. In this holy place, you begin to see the whole truth, both tragedy and its transformation. Suffering, seen through the lens of resurrection, is a birthing place of faith; in this crucible, suffering often turns into gift. Here you discover the peace that passes all understanding. here you know that God provides healing, not just for your individual comfort, as important as that is, but that God also reaches out in love to care for all humanity. From here you are sent, imperfect as you are, to become intoxicated with love for the world, reflecting the Christ you follow. And you will return to this place -- between cross and resurrection -- again and again to be healed.
Abide in me as I abide in you. John 15:4
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