Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian faith because it is the day when Jesus defeated death, resisted the oppressive forces of Empire, and proved God’s reign by returning to bodily life. But a significant part of the story that we don’t always think about is the importance of Jesus revealing himself to Mary Magdalene. It is especially interesting because the risen Christ didn’t actually need a messenger. He could have gone directly to his disciples from the g

This is holy Saturday. It would be easier (at first) to avoid the pain of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and move on quickly to the celebration of Easter Sunday. But one thing I know, as a chaplain and a griever, is that we cannot avoid difficult feelings or skip the grief. Today, we remember that the disciples put their friend in the ground after watching him die an awful death. We remember that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary vigil with Jesus through the unfolding trauma

Psalm 22 does not begin with calm faith but with a cry that is familiar and echoes through the ages: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These powerful words express a deep sense of grief that can leave us feeling confused, isolated, and overwhelmed. On Good Friday, Jesus embraces this Psalm as his own, connecting with everyone whose pain has ever felt like abandonment, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our struggles. I have often found myself crying out i

We are in what is called the Holy Triduum (Three Days) as Lent ends, while many have fasted, prayed, meditated, and come into a closer relationship with God, and we are in the final stretch. Today is called Maudy Thursday or Holy Thursday, depending on your tradition. Growing up and into my adulthood, Holy Thursday was always one of my favorite days during Holy Week. I was always fascinated by John 13 coming to life as I witnessed my Pastor walk around with a towel on his arm