“The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed,”(Jn 20:4,5, 8)!
The first century events that are recalled at Easter are filled with people being met by the unexpected. Jesus repeatedly surprised people with the unexpected, talking to the outcast and healing the sick.
These events started to open people’s eyes to see Jesus as one who transforms situations. Then when he raised his friend Lazarus to life it pointed to what was to come. That first Easter morning as the disciples went to the tomb to grieve for their friend they ran up the path into the unexpected. The grave clothes lay there and Jesus was not.
Today we also encounter the unexpected. We elected a leader for development, a development that will see good days for all. But the poor and the minority in India live in fear. There is concern about the mass conversions. The RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) make no secret of “home coming” campaign designed to “return” non Hindus to “Home” where in the first place they have no home. As the RSS who perpetuate caste system will never accept them as their brothers and sisters of the same home. Yet as people of faith we know how often that leads to situations being transformed. Easter reminds us that when all hope appears lost the unexpected happens.
This Easter let us run with Peter and John welcoming the unexpected. Easter tells the good news that Jesus is not dead but He is risen! I wish you a happy, healthy and holy Easter.
(The author is Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Baruipur, West Bengal, India)