Spiritual Formation Center
Can’t keep it to yourself
By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photo courtesy of Wikipedia
It’s Easter, Resurrection morning. I think about the Marys and how they are the first to check on Jesus in the tomb, Mary Magdalene, in particular. I resonate with this woman who was so initially sad, as she had just witnessed the crucifixion three days before at the Cross. At first, she couldn’t comprehend this unimaginable event of her Lord, her Savior, coming back to life! But then she does wipe off her tears, and in her excitement runs to tell others. So may I just say: I think it’s cool that a woman was chosen to be first to see, then tell others that Jesus was alive again?
The main point: she was excited and hurried to tell people. In fact, over and over, Scriptures remind us of the need to spread the Word and get others to know Jesus is alive.
I think about all the ways Blaine Memorial UMC lets the community know that Jesus is alive – in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. We have a vibrant worship service, in-person AND online, every Sunday. We have pastors that show up at events like the Day of Remembrance. Our Blaine Youth Group are hands and feet for Christ’s love at places like Kimball Elementary and the Tent Cities. Blaine’s newsletter circulation is over 600 subscribers strong and reaches beyond Seattle.
Then I also think of the not-so-obvious ways we let others know that Jesus is alive. We play basketball with non-Blaine folks. We buy altar flowers from folks who get to know us over the years. We tell our friends about the upcoming Sukiyaki Dinner who then come to know about the Rainier Valley Food Bank – which will receive some of the proceeds. We sit at Terry’s Kitchen and folks know we are Blaine people.
I guess we all have a little Mary Magdalene in us.
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Congregational Care Ministries of Blaine Memorial UMC.
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