Jesus Comes Towards Us
Meeting Jesus on the Roads of Life
In Matthew’s account of the empty tomb Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary“ leave the tomb in “great joy and fear” because they have heard from the angel of the Lord that Jesus has been raised from the dead. They are amazed at the good news that Jesus is alive but are still a bit unsure of how it will play out. Not an unreasonable query!
As they are running to tell the incredible news to the disciples, Matthew tells us that “Jesus comes to meet them” (Matt 28:9). Indeed, he greets them with a full-throated “Rejoice!” and they happily fall at his feet in adulation and thanksgiving. Curiously, Jesus tells them not to be afraid. Afraid of what? we might muse. Maybe it’s simply about not hesitating to share the good news that he is truly alive with joy and conviction. Not withstanding we can be sure that meeting their dearest friend alive was beyond their wildest dreams.
The good news for us today is that Jesus is always coming toward us if we have eyes to see him. Each and every day, on every road we travel, Jesus comes toward us. He is always with us, always present, always coming to us (Matt 28:20). Our job is to open wide the eyes of our heart so that we do not miss out on the various guises of our coming Lord.
Alas, clear sightedness is not to be taken for granted. Distraction, despair, despondence and doubt will cloud the waters and reduce our visibility. What is needed is the clarity of faith and it will be given if we truly want it. As Jesus says in another place,“For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance (Matt 13:12). So let’s keep seeking and opening our hearts to the One who always comes toward us. Even (especially) on this Easter Morn.