Varieties of Laughter
For the faithful women, waiting for the dawn must have seemed endless. For the rest it was all over and nothing to look forward to. They had no idea what was to come and would it have helped if they had?
Belief in the Resurrection is one thing. Experiencing it is another — and different for different people. If we stick to the texts there is little to relate to the way we celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday. No 'Hanukkah'. No hosannas. No 'Jesus is risen. Hallelujah'. First, comes fear — women coming to exercise a ministry of caring only to discover that there is no body to care for — followed by doubt, confusion and uncertainty, none of which, despite a series of extraordinary 'appearances', has gone away at the end of week one, raising as many questions as answers for them as for us. Clarity of understanding (if ever) is far off, and may take time, patience and waiting.
Then, as often, the unexpected. Once they stop looking for answers, sensitive recognition takes over with Luke's story of two people on a different journey, from Jerusalem to Emmaus, shortly after the Passover. No idea who they were and scant evidence of any involvement or even an opinion on what had been going on. Then, in the course of a normal evening meal, they suddenly had a revelation — all they can say is an awareness that he had been with them all the time and they had not recognised him. From cradle to grave this man has the capacity to surprise in the most unexpected ways and places, and recognised only by those who share his convictions. Now, what Fun as two weary travellers, longing for that evening meal, suddenly up and away, back to Jerusalem, bouncing along with energy and unable to contain their glee. Meeting the rest had to be the Last Laugh. But not quite. Where is he? Well . . . as soon as they recognised him 'he vanished out of their sight'. This is the experience of many, but different for all.
For some, an inexplicable empty tomb. For some an inexplicable appearance. For some, a sudden shaft of light opening a door to a different way of life. Available for all who open to receive it.