Timelytidbits’s Weblog

As I have shared in the past, I am the parent of a teenager.  Challenge is not the word I would use for having to mother a teen — torture, now that is the word I would use.  There are so many reasons why I use this image but the most difficult has to be letting her grow up.  I loved being the mom of a young child.  I was her world and even though she had friends, playmates and family when it came right down to it the day began with me and ended with me.  Every decision I was her main consultant (Elmo or Bigbird; McNuggets or Cheese burger?).  I shared in every laughter and consoled every tear.  But she is growing up and it is her task right now to separate herself from the established authority so that she can gain some Independence.  Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget would be proud of my understanding and patient.  But it still hurts.  I liked having control of her life.  I liked knowing what tomorrow would bring (for the most part) and understanding the limits.  Letting her go and grow is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Do you think this is what Jesus meant when he spoke those words to Mary Magdala at the tomb after his resurrection?  Do you think that is something Jesus says to us today?

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. John 20:17

Growing in our faith is not an easy thing.  Most of us are willing to take  an adventure now and again but we want to slide back into our easy chair and be comfortable.  Do you notice that most people sit in the same pew and go to the same Mass week after week, year after year.?  We want the same ole, same ole predictable life because its easier for us.  Problem is if we hold onto the faith that we had as children, or young adults we do not allow God to show the full potential of his love for us.  God is a dynamic reality in our lives.  God wants us to continue to grow but if we hold onto God and not allow God to be God,  then it would be like my not letting my daughter grow up because its easier for me.

Alleluia, Christ has risen.  Alleluia, he has risen indeed!  But let these next 50 days be about opening your eyes and heart to the Jesus who wants to heal your every ill and bring hope into the dark places of your life.  For many Lent was a dynamic time as we fasted and prayed.  Don’t stop.  Don’t limit him into being only what you can imagine.  Maybe that is why so many early followers walked away at the resurrection.  Not because Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t real but because they just couldn’t image it — so they didn’t see it.  It happened but they remained blind by their own choice.  Don’t be blind.  Until next time, I remain, your servant in Christ,

Theresa