Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” John 20:15-16
When Mary arrives at the empty tomb, she seems to mistake Jesus for a gardener, but the truth is, Jesus is the gardner. From the beginning, God has been gardening – bringing forth miraculous life from the dust of the earth. Even today, God produces new life out of the soil of our hearts. Today, we celebrate that life – resurrected life!
This life is re-newed life. Resurrected life is life that has gone through pain and struggle, life that comes from allowing some things to die, and life that comes back to flourish better than ever. The life we celebrate today is cultivated through trial and watered with truth to awaken glorious transformation.
Just as God took a step back to enjoy the world he created in the beginning the way a gardner sits back to delight in the beauty of new plantlife, take time to step back and recognize the ways God has brought you to life this year. As you are celebrating with your family and friends today, celebrate by sharing your stories of life together.
Happy Easter!
By Yvonne Biel
