Station fifteen: The resurrection

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
 
After the Sabbath, and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre...And suddenly, coming to meet them, was Jesus. ‘Greetings,’ he said. And the women came up to him and, clasping his feet, they did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; there they will see me.’
Matthew 28:19-10
 
After Jesus’ death on the cross the world was dark; it seemed that death had won. However, we know that the darkness was not the end. On the Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb to attend to the body, only to find that it wasn’t there. Jesus later greeted them on the road, risen to new life.
 
For those refugees who are fortunate to be granted official recognition and protection it must feel that the period of darkness is over and a new life has begun. Like the risen Jesus, they may well bear the wounds of their experiences but they can focus on bright and hopeful future. What emotions would this bring? Are they overwhelmed as the women in the Gospel appear to be when they encounter Jesus after His resurrection?
 
We pray for those who have finally been recognised as refugees in the countries they have fled to; that as they begin their lives in their new homes, they may be given all they need for a better future. We also pray for those refugees who are able to return to their homelands; that peace and prosperity may be their future, and that all wounds of division may be healed.
 
I love you, Jesus, my love above all things,
And I repent with my whole heart of having offended you.
Never permit me to separate myself from you again,
Grant that I may love you always, and then do with me what you will.