The symbolic language of the crucifixion is the death of the old paradigm; resurrection is a leap into a whole new way of thinking. Deepak Chopra
Meditation: Each one of us has an “old way” of being. For me personally this “old way” is my reactive and anxious self. Also a very critical and judgmental self. Others might have different “old ways”. I like to think that God’s Spirit works in all of us to help bring forth a “new way” of being. We can call it a “paradigm shift” or a“new life”, even “sanctification”. I noticed that when the Spirit of compassion gets connected with my anxious and reactive parts, I can calm myself. It is then that I am becoming able to respond instead of react, and instead of anxiety, I can feel curiosity and even excitement. When I become aware of my critical and judgmental parts and they are able to connect to the Spirit of compassion, instead of thinking harsh thoughts, I begin to feel empathy with myself and with others. Interestingly “resurrection” or the “new life” or the “new paradigm” for me has not been a one-time experience, but a journey of nearly 40 years. Martin Luther talked about “crawling each morning into his baptism”, which meant in his 16th century language to “die” to the old “Adam” and to live as the “new Adam”. I like the idea that resurrection is an ongoing and daily process. Often I wish resurrection was such a “one time” and “one for all done deal”. But the everyday emerging of “the new out of the old” is much more humble, human and realistic, and it matches my experience of “ever becoming”.
Prayer: Gracious God, for You our human sense of time is so relative. The one-time event of the resurrection of Jesus stands in for thousands of years of us “Jesus followers” “becoming” resurrected. Thank You for Your patience with us as we get stuck at times in set backs, regressions, old habits and human weaknesses. Thank You that the “new life” or “eternal life” will finally be fully completed after we die. Thank You that it is not up to us to resurrect ourselves, but that it is You who is gradually leading us to the fullness of new life. And we are grateful. Amen
Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4 (NIV)
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