From darkness into light
by Faye Schmidt
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While it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb … and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been (John 20:1b,12).
Read John 20:1–18
It is Easter morning. Many people are venturing out of their homes in darkness, just as Mary did, to go to a place to be with their Lord. It is still dark. This may be a church, a garden or other outdoor area. We need to turn on our car’s headlights to guide us. Even though the weather at this time of year in Australia is quite mild, we are dressed warmly because the sun has not yet risen to provide some warmth.
We gather with our community in silence. We have walked the path of Jesus’ death from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and now we wait – in the dark.
And we, too, look into the tomb – where all logic tells us we should find the body of Jesus duly wrapped for burial.
But no! What does Mary see? Light radiated from the white of the robes of the angels seeking to comfort her.
And now, the sun rises, our surroundings are lit, and we join in singing, ‘Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah!’ We are now surrounded by light – physically and within our hearts as the darkness of the burden of our sin is overcome. We rejoice in this gift of grace and love from our God through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We are no longer people of the dark, but people of light. So let your light shine and, as Mary did, go and tell others this good news.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you fulfilled your promise and provided a pathway for us from darkness to light through your Son, whom you raised from the dead and who lives and reigns with you. May I always walk in the light and share with others this wondrous gift of grace. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations in Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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