"He is not here! He is risen." These words resounded through the quiet hidden groups of disciples. The unbelievable news was finally confirmed by Peter and John, bringing joy from sadness, and renewed belief from doubt. John 20:10&11 says "Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping."

Now, I wonder what we would do at such a time as this. Would we join the crowd that went home, or stay with Mary and weep at the tomb? Our actions today show what we would have done then. I want to think that I would stay and wait for a meeting with the Savior. But, when I think of the times that I'm too busy for church, can't find time for private devotions, and hurry about my business when there are so many people in need, I realize that this Easter season should be a time of reflection and rededication.

Because Mary was willing to stay at the grave she alone met Jesus and had that wonderful conversation, and heard Jesus speak her name, "Mary." When Jesus spoke her name she recognized Him immediately. Maybe she didn't have as much faith as we like to say of her, because she didn't recognize Jesus at first. Maybe she had doubts, as the other disciples did. After all, everyone else went home. Perhaps Mary stayed just to mourn for all the sad things that happened. Whatever the reason Mary waited while others left.

Do you ever get anxious when others stay a long time after church service and just talk? After all you have a lot of things to do!! But, maybe God still has work to do in some people that can be done after the service. I like the name that some churches have for a time following their regular evening service. They call it "The Afterglow." I like to think that our service is a Glowing worship of Jesus and then we have an afterglow of fellowship, after the service. Now, I know from experience that some can't stay after a service because of illness, or other responsibilities, so I can understand why some may need to leave right away. But could we see that sometime it is more valuable to spend some time with Jesus even though everyone else feels that a blessing is impossible.

I'm sure that if those who left knew that Jesus would appear they would have hung around longer. May that can be a lesson for us to not always follow the crowd. The crowd could be wrong. The lonely vigil of faith often pays off with unexpected blessings. Now, That's a good lesson for us to learn from this Easter Season.

"Lord, speak to our hearts that we may be willing to wait for the voice of Jesus to call our name. Then we may see and understand the Blessings of the resurrection that is for us today!

Your friend and pastor,