Practicing Resurrection- Stones, Doors, and Fish

(reflection of the accounts from Gospel of John 20-21)



Listen for what the Spirit is saying….

Like Mary, what stones
do I anticipate
and regard as immovable?
What stands in the way
of life
in the midst of uncertainty,
loss or grief?
Are there large and heavy
rock solid certainties
with in me that already
do not present a problem
but I chose to dwell on them-
anticipate them-
as barriers to experiencing
the fullness of life?
Do I look for the obstructions
or can I practice resurrection
moving with trust
that way will open…
every day.

Like followers huddled
in fear
behind locked doors,
cutting off ventilation and light,
what doors have I shut
for fear of what might enter?
What doors have I shut
out of fear
so no one else hears the
thoughts of my heart
or the wondering questions?
When have I believed
and acted more
in the reality of fear and death
than in the possibilities
and power of life?
When have doubts
diminished life by
squelching trust,
faith, and hope?

Like Peter and his pals,
when am I ready to
go backward instead
of forward;
back to the familiar
the comfortable,
the predictable
even if the results
may be empty?
And if the backward lure
proves bountiful
can I let it go for
what the Spirit is saying?

What do you love most?
stones? fear? boundaries?
community? uncertainty?
mystery? the past?
the Church? ministry?
friendship? success?
the backward glance?
even life itself?
“Do you love these more than me?”
Have these been the tools,
the gifts, that have led to Christ?
What is the first love that calls
for practicing resurrection?
Who or what am I looking for and seeing?
“Do you love me more than these?”

Mary and Thomas and Peter
and all, practiced resurrection,
practiced seeing and living in
the One they love most,
practiced the living presence of
God with them.

Listen for what the Spirit is still saying.