There are emotions that run our hearts ragged. Like John, we reach the place where Jesus is, and we hesitate to go in. Like Peter, we barge ahead but leave with unanswered questions. Like Mary, we stand outside broken, fearful, and weeping. But when the resurrected Lord calls our name, his voice is unmistakable.
There are sounds that distract us. "Peter, Peter, what do you see in there?" "John, look for yourself!" "Let's go tell the others." "Woman, why are you crying?" But when the resurrected Lord calls our name, his voice cuts through the noise.
There are places that distance us from each other. Mary went alone to the tomb but found it empty. The younger John outran Peter. The bolder Peter went directly inside the tomb. Both Peter and John hurried back to the others. Mary stayed alone, catching her breath. But when the resurrected Lord calls our name, we slow down and stand still.
There are sights that overload our senses. From television to the billboards on the way to work, from the computer screen to the newspaper, all the sights put our brains on visual overload. Like Mary, we look right at Jesus and miss all that he is doing in our lives and the world around us. But when the resurrected Lord calls our name, he becomes our singular focus.
Are your emotions bouncing off the wall? Are all the sounds distracting you? Is the hurried pace isolating you from others? Are you visually exhausted? Close your eyes. Jesus is alive. The resurrected Lord is here. Listen to his voice.
Lord Jesus, in a world distracting me at every turn, help me hear your voice. Help me to live in the power of your resurrection. In your name. Amen.