THE RIGHT DIRECTION

This past semester, I taught a course called “Paschal Mystery” (Course III in the USCCB High School Framework - shout out to the religion teachers/campus ministers following the Christus reflections!) As we studied the Passion narratives and looked at the passage from today's Gospel, we noted the subtle shade cast Peter's direction, as the passage highlights that he gets passed by both Mary and John. Poor Peter is then (in the verses following today's Gospel) still inside having a look where Jesus isn't when Jesus appears and speaks to Mary.  

As I look around and see the roller coaster of excitement (frenzy, maelstrom) of kids opening their presents, sweet moments as they place the baby Jesus figures in the nativities (yes, plural, don't judge), and then frustrating moments as they proceed to fight over the aforementioned toys and baby Jesus figurines and I find myself, like Peter, working to avoid missing the point and looking in the wrong direction.  

So, I ask myself, “what is the right direction?” and I recall the words of award-winning recording artist Billy Mack “Christmas is All Around Me/it's everywhere I go.” (Oh yeah, that just happened.) And Christmas, chock full of Paschal Mystery, is all around and I am trying not to dive headlong into a rabbit hole (or empty tomb), and to stop where I am to let Jesus meet me like Mary Magdalene. The empty tomb, loss, nostalgia, peace, love, life, giving, “comfort and joy” that swirls around me, all “concerns the Word of life” that is continually made visible by God with us. 

What is swirling around you in these days after Christmas? Where might Jesus want to encounter you, and under what disguise? 

Helps for reflection: 

 

Jason Coito 

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