Easter – The Slow Process of Discovering Life before Your Very Eyes, Part 2

Fr. John Cusick

 Have you ever been in the “dark” about something?

Or maybe you have used that word in describing someone else’s understanding. “Wow, he is totally in the dark! He just doesn’t get it.”

Being in the “dark” is how the experience of the resurrection of the Lord began. Those first people who came to the tomb were in the dark. They didn’t get it. And I have a hunch that would have been me, too, “…early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark.”

That is how John’s Gospel begins to proclaim the Good News of the Risen Lord in Chapter 20. And those few words are loaded with symbols and symbolic meaning.

The “first day of the week” is a direct reference to the first day of creation. There are at least three things symbolized by the “first day of creation.” First, what did the Creator create beginning on the first day? God began the creation of life. So this wonderful resurrection story is about the creation of new life. Get ready!

Second, what was created on the first day of creation? Light came forth from the darkness. It is only in the light that the followers will no longer be in that “dark.” Gradually they will begin to see. They will begin to get it. Also, Jesus said in John’s Gospel that He was the light of the world. Guess what? He still is. The “light” is coming forth from the darkness.

Third, the “first” day of creation is just the beginning. There is a lot more to come! That is a clever way of letting all of us know that coming to an awareness of and appreciation for the Resurrection of the Lord will take time. It will be gradual, revealing and creating a little more life and awareness slowly but surely.

So this is the searchers and seekers Gospel story. There are so many people - maybe you or people you know - who struggle with faith right now. They are searching and they are truly trying. This is a story for them and for all of us. We don’t always see what is right before our eyes. We are in the “dark” about a lot of things.

But you can’t quit. You have to keep looking and searching. Most of us won’t get it right….right away. We will not see clearly ….right away.

Remember this  is the first day and it is still dark. More to come.

Fr. John Cusick