Resurrection
The experiences in our lives that bring us intimately close to death change us. Sometimes, they transform us.
What does resurrection look like when we’ve experienced darkness, loss, trials, and disappointment?
My son, Ollie, and I almost died when he was born. Almost a stillborn and having spent over 10 minutes with no detectable heartbeat, he was born with brain and lung injuries. During our emergency crash C-section, I hemorrhaged. We both were promptly intubated and put on ventilators. By God’s grace, we both lived. Ollie, a true miracle, lives a normal life. Over the years, his neurologist, neonatologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, physical therapist, speech therapist, psychologist, and others have all signed off on him.
Every night since he came home, when I put him to sleep, I remember what it was like to not be with him when he was in the NICU. I remember how hard it was, navigating hospital procedures and visits while raising a 2 year-old and pumping for breastmilk 24/7. I remember what it was like to wonder what kind of life, if any, he would have, if he made it through.
Then I remember, he did. He lives. He’s here with me now.
The experiences in our lives that bring us intimately close to death change us. Sometimes, they transform us.
Ollie and I’s story could be different. But it’s not. The smiling goofy dinosaur-loving kid calls me “Mommy” a million times each day. Each time it feels like resurrection.
Kevin could be a single parent. But he’s not. We get to stumble through this life together as parents and as a family, at least since then and for the present. That’s resurrection.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” In the first reading, as they are doing so, they are threatened by the “leaders, elders, and scribes” in the Sanhedrin for following Jesus’ instructions. Yet they are convicted, saying “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
As we bear witness to how the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection plays out in each of our own lives, today there is an opportunity to live not just any life, but one that proclaims the Gospel through how we engage with each person that we encounter. The Gospel of overcoming death, redemption, love, faith, hope, forgiveness and mercy.
Maybe answering that invitation is resurrection.
For me, since the pandemic and Ollie’s birth, both in 2020, I’ve tried to follow Jesus as he asks me, “Do you see me in others?”
In what way has death, loss, darkness, or disappointment changed or transformed you? In what parts of Jesus’s death and resurrection stories can you relate? What are Jesus’ invitations in your own life?
Dear Jesus, help us to hear your invitations and guidance this Easter season. Grant us the courage to listen and follow. That we may encounter you and experience resurrection. Amen.
Rae Visita Izquierdo