Christ is Risen! (The banner pictured above is from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.) It’s Eastertide—and I’m still in liminal space. You see, an unexpected part of my Holy Week journey this year involved a family member receiving a lymphoma cancer diagnosis. While Christ is risen, he is having trouble rising to his feet. We have embarked on a journey through what is, for us, uncharted territory. There’s not much we can do at this point besides praying, loving, and talking. More tests lie ahead. The future is uncertain—and yet that’s always been the case for any human being on this journey of life.
It certainly was true for Jesus’ first disciples. Eastertide was liminal space. They hid in that upper room for days, behind locked doors, feeling fear and doubt. Even when Jesus appeared to them, they reacted with uncertainty and confusion. In one instance, he even tried to overcome their doubt and prove he was physically present (and not a ghost) by eating a piece of fish in their presence. Still, this idea of “resurrection” was completely foreign to them. (Remember, we have heard about this concept throughout our lives, even if we weren’t raised Christian or didn’t believe in it.) It took a while for the disciples to comprehend or imagine such a radical idea, much less embrace it.
In a similar way, it’s taking me a while to comprehend this family member having cancer. After all, he was walking two miles a day just three weeks ago. Yet, here I am, forcibly reminded of the preciousness and gift that is our daily life. I can lock the doors of my heart and tremble in fear and doubt, or I can embrace what appears on the other side of the door. I choose to live with love to the best of my ability as life and death—and resurrection—unfold around me.
What is your relationship with the idea of resurrection? How has it impacted your life and informed your choices? When and why have you lived in liminal space during Eastertide and other celebratory seasons?
Should you wish, please join me in prayer for my family member and for all who receive challenging health diagnoses during this Eastertide.
May Peace and profound Love and Divine Strength be with you and your loved one during this challenging time, Shirin.
Thank you, Sally! I am grateful for your prayers.
Peace,
Shirin
Just home from time with family in California and in a waiting time too….
I join you in prayers for your loved one and ask for an extra measure of grace, wisdom and holy guidance for you too.
AND and and as my friend says with exciting news…. Happy Birthday wishes!!
Thank you, Joyce. I’m grateful for another year and for the love of friends and family. Thank you for your prayers and you are in my prayers as well.
Peace,
Shirin
Praying for you and for your loved one for strength, comfort and peace that passes all understanding during this time. And sending love.
Thank you, Sondra. I’m grateful for your prayers and love. It was my father, and he died on Tuesday. I’ll share a bit more about him this coming Monday.
Peace,
Shirin