Overcoming Obstacles

Originally posted April 4, 2021

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Oh, how the beautiful passage from today’s gospel story provides us with never-ending messages of hope! In Mark 16:1-7, we walk alongside those who are in mourning as they journey toward the tomb of their now deceased friend. They are carrying spices for anointing their loved one’s corpse, doing what their culture has taught them to bless, heal, and find some closure. We feel their despair, sense of loss, powerlessness, and their desire to do something – anything – that might bring light into the darkness that has occurred.

As they journey, they anticipate the problems that lie ahead. There will be a huge stone blocking their ability to perform this ritual. “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” they ask (Mark 16:3). But the anticipated problem and their despair do not stop them from moving forward. They continue on, despite their belief that they cannot do this on their own. They press on, moving towards what must be done, putting one foot in front of the other, and using whatever strength and resources they have to complete their task. When they arrive, they discover that all was accomplished for them. They needed only to continue on in faith, hope, and love as they had. The very large obstacle was removed, and from the darkness, a miracle and a light they never could have imagined sprang forth.

“Who will roll back the stone for us?” Have you ever wondered, or are you wondering this Easter Sunday, “How will I continue on through this enormous problem? The situation is too big (like the huge stone that blocked the tomb). I cannot do this; I don’t have the strength.” One of the many promises our faith brings us today is that there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome when we journey forward, one step at a time, using whatever strength and resources we have. All will be accomplished for us. The huge obstacle will be removed. Light will come from the darkness. We can’t even imagine the possibilities and the miracles that can happen when we persevere in faith, hope, and love.

HAPPY EASTER!

Read more reflections in When on Earth: Discovering Christian Spirituality in the Daily Happenings of Ordinary Life.