I think everyone who believes or thinks they believe or who may believe, should spend at least one Easter alone. I am struck by how much of Jesus’ life was spent alone. Right from the start. He’s baptized by John the Baptist and then immediately heads to the desert to spend 40 days thinking and fasting—alone. That is followed by a series of temptations by the devil himself that do not succeed. From this encounter come two famous phrases, “Man does not live by bread alone” and “Get thee behind me, Satan.”
Richard, this hits right home. My poor sister was completely isolated for weeks in her covid-unit hospital bed, with no visitors allowed, before she passed. I think about that loneliness all the time. Thank you for this piece.
Yes, it is. At least there was the phone, while she could still handle it. Then messages, through the nurse. Still, a very long and lonely end. Sorry for bringing on all this sadness.
As always, beautifully and movingly written, Richard. But sometimes, being alone is a blessing. So I think. Only if one is alone for a time, he/she can find himself/herself. I may be wrong, but it’s how it works for me.
I read your essay to John and we looked at each other and said, "But the women stayed with Jesus!" While he was alone during the events on Good Friday, the women stayed at the cross and then Mary was the first person who saw Jesus on Easter morning. A fact that I cherish. blessings to you.
Yes, but.... If you read Matthew 27:55, it says, after the crucifixion, "And many women were there beholding afar off...Among which was Mary Magdalene..." So they weren't there at the foot of the cross as so many paintings would have it. They were "afar off." They did minister to him on the way to Jerusalem.
Yes, coming to terms with being truly alone is a step toward understanding that we all have to leave this world alone. We know it intellectually, but it's shocking anyway.
Thank you, Richard for focusing on how Jesus felt abandoned and alone. His statement makes me ache, because through all of time, he and the Father were always together. I can't imagine his agony of loneliness. May you spend this Easter in the company of friends. Joan
Richard, this hits right home. My poor sister was completely isolated for weeks in her covid-unit hospital bed, with no visitors allowed, before she passed. I think about that loneliness all the time. Thank you for this piece.
That is so sad, Olivier.
Yes, it is. At least there was the phone, while she could still handle it. Then messages, through the nurse. Still, a very long and lonely end. Sorry for bringing on all this sadness.
I wish you and Gaywynn a happy Easter !
As always, beautifully and movingly written, Richard. But sometimes, being alone is a blessing. So I think. Only if one is alone for a time, he/she can find himself/herself. I may be wrong, but it’s how it works for me.
Yes, I agree. We all need alone time!
I read your essay to John and we looked at each other and said, "But the women stayed with Jesus!" While he was alone during the events on Good Friday, the women stayed at the cross and then Mary was the first person who saw Jesus on Easter morning. A fact that I cherish. blessings to you.
Yes, but.... If you read Matthew 27:55, it says, after the crucifixion, "And many women were there beholding afar off...Among which was Mary Magdalene..." So they weren't there at the foot of the cross as so many paintings would have it. They were "afar off." They did minister to him on the way to Jerusalem.
Yes, coming to terms with being truly alone is a step toward understanding that we all have to leave this world alone. We know it intellectually, but it's shocking anyway.
Wishing comfort to your cousin.
Easter...a poignant time.
Thank you, Richard for focusing on how Jesus felt abandoned and alone. His statement makes me ache, because through all of time, he and the Father were always together. I can't imagine his agony of loneliness. May you spend this Easter in the company of friends. Joan
Thank you, Joan. I hope the same for you. As the scripture says, he was a man acquainted with grief.
A lovely post and so true. Blessings on your Easter, Richard.
Thank you, Kaylene. The very same for you.
Dear Richard,
How beautiful and true. Such sacred words. Blessings to your cousin and you. Janet
Thank you, Janet. Happy Easter to you and your family.