Looking for Jesus

“I know you’re here looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here—he has risen victoriously, just as he said!” (Matthew 28:5-6 TPT)

Early one morning, I was out in the back yard with my dog. The sun was just rising, and the morning mist still hung in the air. The light filtered through staining the sky in brilliant hues of pink and orange. The trees swayed their arms, animated by the wind. The subtle scent of early spring flowers and new grass filled the air. The birds were awake and chirping loudly. It seemed like they were trying to outsing each other. I stood still and soaked in the moment. I’m always on the lookout for Jesus, but I don’t always notice Him. For a few minutes that morning, my heart became receptive. 

“Where is this risen Christ? Everywhere and all around us—in you, your neighbor, the dogwood tree outside, the budding grape vine, the ants popping up through the cracks. The whole world is filled with God, who is shining through even the darkest places of our lives.” (Ilia Delio)

Christ is everywhere and all around us--in each of us and all of creation. The whole world is filled with God. He is in the dark and the light, in the sick and the healthy, in joy and sadness. The risen Christ is present, but we don’t always notice. Receptivity to the Divine is a gift.  May each of us be blessed by the awareness of Christ in our surroundings.