Today, we wonder, what happened in the tomb?
This secret, silent place where Jesus’ body lay,
Waiting for the great moment of resurrection.
In our lives too, there are tomb moments –
Moments of bleakness, of darkness –
A quiet turning from death to life unfolding.

Just like the wintered buds,
Preparing to blossom,
The caterpillar birthing,
Into Admiral beauty,
The wonder of a baby,
Waiting in the womb,
A sleeping seed awakening,
In the darkened soil.

The large stone rolled over the tomb,
Kept the Lord within.
Let us be patient in out tombs.
Let us enter into its silence.
Let us wait with courage,
When sadness, distress, confusion,
Shut us in.
Let us wait with acceptance, with confidence.

Look at the stones that block our light.
Rest in the Peace – Giver’s Presence.
When inner turmoil and conflict,
Threaten my peace.
When my life is full,
And I am overwhelmed.
When I enter into the pain of the world.
When I hurt others.
When fear of the future rises up,
And the road ahead is uncertain.
When my life seems empty and lonely.

In the darkness of my tomb,
May I learn serenity.
Clothe me in Your calmness.
May Your peace grow strong in me.
Slowly ignite my spirit,
With restored confidence.
Let me sense a power
Greater than myself, at work in the darkness.

We recall times of pain and hurt.
Lord, roll away the stone.
We recall painful emotions,
Lord, roll away the stone.
We recall sadness and a sense of loss.
Lord, roll away the stone.
We recall unfair judgements,
Lord, roll away the stone.
We recall the slow return to hope after despair.
Lord, roll away the stone.
We recall the unexpected love and tenderness.
That other’s gave us.
Lord, roll away the stone.

Imagine Jesus waiting to rise again.
Rest quietly with Him.
Let Hope and Expectation fill your mind
With a sense of joy and purpose.
Let Hope fill your spirit
With life and enthusiasm.
Let Hope fill your heart
And draw you into renewed love.

Imagine the Spirit of Jesus,
Stirring up newness, finding the dead places,
That exist within your spirit.
Invite hope into your life.
Allow hope to strengthen you.
Allow hope to enter your spirit.
Allow hope to relax your body.

In the tomb, you have met
Your deepest self.
The stones that block our light,
Will roll away.
Do not rush the process.
The tomb of Good Friday,
Will soon become the opened tomb
Of Easter Sunday.
Angels at the tomb,
Stand guard over our rising.
May we go forth,
Spiritually renewed.
The stone of entombment
Has been rolled away.

 

Ann Crowley rsm
South Central Province