The Hidden Truth.
Jesus, I Adore You.
April 5, 2021
To See God in All Things.
April 6, 2021PITIK-BULAG: The Hidden Truth
When the disciples learned from Mary Magdalene that the huge stone of Jesus’ tomb was removed and empty, Peter and John immediately rushed to the tomb. In those times, stealing dead bodies was common. the Pharisees kept telling that the body of Jesus would be stolen by the disciples and proclaim that Jesus has risen from the dead. On the other hand, Jesus was proclaiming his resurrection on the third day. Mixed feelings lingered in their minds. They were deeply confused. They wanted to know the truth!
When they reached the place, they saw nothing but the empty tomb and the burial cloth. Peter, in his mind, quickly concluded that the BODY WAS STOLEN. On the other hand, when John saw the cloth, HE BELIEVED IMMEDIATELY.
John saw the EASTER HOPE! Embedded in the neatly folded cloth was the hidden truth – Jesus was alive and has risen from the dead. Overflowing joy ruled their hearts. A new lease of hope had filled John’s heart when his inner eyes saw the folded cloth. He recalled Jesus’ promises and believed! The fulfillment of the promises brought new life! John’s heart was overflowing with the grace of Jesus’ resurrection.
John’s immediate recognition of the HIDDEN TRUTH in the empty tomb was admirable. He became an instant Easter disciple. The cloth of darkness that covered his soul was removed by the empty tomb and the joy of resurrection was unveiled in his heart! In his confusion, John recalled the words of Jesus about his dying and rising – that He will live again on the third day.
Jesus had told his destiny many times. He would die on the cross but would rise again on the third day. Unfortunately, no one listened to Jesus. John’s loyalty to Jesus made him stay with Him from his crucifixion to resurrection. He was the lone disciple who stayed with Jesus until death. John accompanied Mary in her deepest sorrow of accompanying her son to his death. Unlike any disciples, John was fearless and faithful. He stayed with Jesus from sunset till the dawn of resurrection.
John’s faithfulness was remarkable. He believed in Jesus’ words and his faithfulness was rewarded: He saw the hidden truth in the empty tomb. God blessed John with an inner eye that led him to see the risen Christ. Later in the gospel, when the disciples caught a large catch, John again was the first to recognize Jesus, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7).
Now, I can easily understand why Jesus called him, “The Beloved.” He could see hidden truths in all things. He has the gift of recognizing hidden God, even in darkness, failures, and hopelessness – a gift given to those who stayed faithful and obedient to God.
In this year of pandemic, as the disciples of the risen Jesus, we are invited to reclaim our ability to see God in all things. Let’s learn from John. Let’s use our inner lens to see things from God’s perspective. In our “empty tomb” experience we are undergoing at the moment, do we have an inner eye to see the new graces in the midst of the pandemic?
Let’s choose to be happy and productive rather than lick our wounds for the loss of many things in our lives. After all, the glimpses of resurrection can be seen by those who remained faithful in the midst of this crisis. Be an easter disciple now. I commend the frontliners for their dedicated service to the whole world. I admire those who have secretly helped in feeding the hungry. I raise my hats to those who are tirelessly volunteering to ease the hunger and maintain the order of our country. I am grateful to those who remained strong and joyful in the midst of darkness. Our God is greater and more powerful than the Covid-19 virus. Our resurrection may not come soon. But it will come in God’s perfect timing. Jesus is with us. Let’s walk with Him and tell the whole world that God will win this war against the Covid virus. But first, let’s win our war against our own darkness. Start wiping your tears, wear a courageous heart, and be with the resurrected Jesus. Go to the peripheries. Assist the hungry, lonely, and lost. Bring joy, strength, peace, encouragement, and hope to everyone.
Jesus has risen. His resurrection was a sign of his commitment to stay with us at all times. He will be with us until the end of time (Matthew 28:20). Let’s stop grieving in our tombs. Let’s not lock ourselves in our miseries, sorrows, and fears. Look inside you and around you. See the “neatly rolled cloth” in your tomb. God is not dead. Jesus is alive!
In our modern era where natural calamities, tragedies, war, terrorism, family issues, and personal struggles are our usual morning news, we are all longing for meaning, encouragement, and hope. We are encouraged to help others see the hidden light in their darkness, confusion, and hopelessness.
You are an Easter child by the merit of Christ’s resurrection. You are the bearer of Good news to your family, friends, and to all people. Help them see the hidden truth so that they will see the glory of the Risen Jesus and transform their hearts into joyful ones. Claim it. See, believe, and be joyful!
Happy Easter!
– Pitik-Bulag
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April 4, 2021 – Easter Sunday
Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9
