To the beloved of the Church of the Nativity Malvern – Easter 2025
Woman, why are you weeping? (John 20,13b)
Beloved in Christ, I was about to prepare this letter when I heard about the news of a mother in Mirebalais, Haiti, who wanted to flee with her two-year-old daughter on an open pickup truck. She put the child on the truck first, and while she was trying to get on board, the driver drove away because he heard a shooting nearby, for the gangs invaded the city, killing people, burning houses, destroying everything they found in their way. The mother does not know the name of the driver, nor where he went. I imagine her standing, confused, weeping, and waiting desperately, for someone who can help her find her baby. But she found no one, as the psalmist wrote: “I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I could find no one”. (Ps 69,22).
You can imagine the consternation of Mary Magdalene near the tomb of Jesus. She was already mourning the tragic death of her Master, but she kept within herself a remnant of hope to find consolation by admiring and anointing the body of Jesus for an ultimate time. But the experience of the empty tomb consumed all her hope. She was weeping, desolated, when the angel addressed her with this question: “woman why are you weeping?”
I imagine also those people who are carrying heavy burdens, parents who cannot meet the needs of their children, those who cannot pay their bills, others who are sick, and others who are traumatized because of gun violence, and consequently have lost the taste of a good life. They need a voice to ask them “Hey, why are you weeping? How can I help you?” These inquiries can significantly impact the lives of individuals, particularly if you demonstrate empathy through actions designed to alleviate their discomfort.
Beloved, we know what you are enduring. But we want you also to know that in the midst of your sufferings, your consolation is there. [Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30,5). “When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there”. (John 29,14a)]. …Just turn around you will see Jesus standing right there. He is the faithful friend who will join you at the most somber moment of your life.
As we are entering in the joy of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, may the joy of the Lord give you strength, – “and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”. (Nehemiah 8,10b). May everyone whom this message finds happy and robust be filled with more joy and, let them rise and go forth towards those who are thirsty for a message of consolation, and tell them “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”
Happy Easter!
Yours in Christ
The Rev. Amirold Lazard
