At the heart of my faith

In Thought for the Week on May 1, Marilyn Shedden asked us to consider what Bible story or text about Jesus’ resurrection is at the heart of our faith.

One of my favourite passages about Jesus’ resurrection is John Chapter 20 verses 1-18.

The women had gone to the tomb and found it empty. Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and John and after they saw what she said was true they went away, but Mary stayed outside the tomb crying.

She was upset, distressed and confused. Who could have done this? Where was Jesus’ body? She turned round and saw Jesus but in her anguish she did not recognise him, thinking he might be the gardener and that perhaps he had moved the body.

Then Jesus spoke her name: ‘Mary.’ She knew immediately it was him and her sorrow instantly turned to joy. ‘I have seen the Lord!,’ she exclaimed to the disciples.

I have not seen the Lord with my eyes but every time I read that story, I can picture him speaking Mary’s name and I can picture her joy. I am reminded Jesus is alive and that just as he knew Mary and cared for her individually, he knows me and cares for me too.

He knows not only my name, but everything about me and, through his word, the Bible, he also speaks to me.

Though I am not able to see Jesus with my eyes as Mary did, by his grace and through faith, he has opened my eyes to recognise who he is and, like Mary, I trust him as my Saviour.

One day, in heaven, I will see him face to face and my joy will be like hers on that resurrection morning. This truth does not just apply to me. He has promised the same to everyone who believes in him.

Joan Crooks, Campbeltown.