Easter moments

by Joyce Rupp on Apr. 23, 2010

“Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy” (John 16:20)

Remember the times you thought you couldn’t endure the pain or the loss any longer? It seemed too much to bear. Maybe you are in a situation like that now.

At such time it’s difficult to believe that grief and suffering will be turned into joy. Others can assure us that the pain will pass with time, but usually everything in us doubts this. That’s why we need to celebrate Easter continually. We need to recall and welcome the Easter story much more than just once a year. We celebrate Easter every time we look closely at the little surprises of joy in our lives. Each time we announce these joys to ourselves or to others, we are like the angels at the empty tomb announcing resurrection.

I know a woman who is never without the pain of four metal rods pressing into her back. Yet she has found joy beyond her daily pain. She relishes happiness in her relationship with her spouse, delights in her grandchildren, enjoys the beauty of the passing seasons. She is an Easter person who daily chooses to believe that she does not have to stay in the tomb of pain and discouragement.

Risen Christ, lead me to my own Easter moments. Clear my mind and open my heart so I can see the surprising little joys that are waiting to greet me today.

From Inviting God In: Scriptural Reflections and Prayers Throughout the Year by Joyce Rupp

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Prayer action suggestion:
Broaden your celebration of Easter to include the poor, the stranger, the foreigner. Contribute funds, time or your talent to organizations that support those in need.

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Thank you for your uplifting

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Apr. 24, 2010.

Thank you for your uplifting words.

Sister Joyce, I so much

Submitted by Jan Swanda (not verified) on Apr. 24, 2010.

Sister Joyce, I so much enjoy your work - - the last book I read was about your spiritual journey thru Northern Spain. I couldn't believe the minor & major inconveniences you encountered & kept asking myself if I could do what you did.

The answer I came up with that I could probably handle most of the things you did, but I would have a very hard time with the shared lodgings at night.

I am 69 years old & I was 'heartened' that a sister traveler near my age got up & went! This was the first time I learned that you live in Iowa. I was born in Nebr, where I spent 32 years & then moved with my family to Mpls where we lived for another 32 years & we drove I35 thru Iowa to I80 in Des Moines more times than I can count to visit Nebr family. My husband & I moved to Georgetown, TX five years ago & it is my goal to live here for 32 years - - I would have come sooner if I had known how beautiful Central Texas is & how friendly the people - - all churches are full every Sunday - - a beautiful thing.

Hugs & prayers
Jan :)

I don't believe in god.

Submitted by Brad Evans (not verified) on Apr. 24, 2010.

I don't believe in god. Therefore I don't need to do this.

Thats OK Brad, God still

Submitted by Larry Peplinski (not verified) on Apr. 26, 2010.

Thats OK Brad, God still believes in you and loves you just the same. I just hope that when you are in a situation of pain and grief, you come to learn of the truth in what Sister Joyce is saying.
God Bless brother.

Just what I needed to hear

Submitted by Assunta (not verified) on Apr. 25, 2010.

Just what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you Joyce! Your words always touch my heart.

Sister Joyce: I enjoyed your

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Apr. 25, 2010.

Sister Joyce: I enjoyed your "Easter Moments".

IT was sent to me by my aunt who is a Nun and lives in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Awaiting your spiritual emails in the future.

Katherine

Thanks for speaking about

Submitted by Fr. Bob Cushing (not verified) on Apr. 26, 2010.

Thanks for speaking about finding joy beyond ones daily pains, and choosing not to stay in the tomb. My recent bout of sciatica is teaching me much about managing pain and dancing with it and around it for the sake of the rest of ones life. It is a relief to have faith and to deal with this up front. Blessings, Fr. Bob Cushing

Sister Joyce, Your columns

Submitted by jp (not verified) on Apr. 27, 2010.

Sister Joyce,
Your columns are weekly 'Easter moments". Thank you for sharing with us.

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