The Final Refuge

Gospel: John 20: 1-18

Throughout Advent and the beginning of the Christmas season we have been reading about the constant seeking of refuge from oppression, bondage, and death.  The prophets longed to see the day of the Messiah that would liberate Israel from these things.  In the story of Mary and Joseph we find this constant threat of woe and death hanging over them, but each time they are led by God to various places of refuge and safety.

Today in this feast during the octave of Christmas, we are led to find the ultimate refuge, the empty tomb of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead.  Even in his public life Jesus had avoided death at various points, but ultimately he came face to face with the ultimate fear of humans in the most cruel way possible.  Jesus' death was certain - no one survived crucifixion, and all the times of refuge that led to hope of a happy ending seemed dashed at his death until we encounter him risen from the dead.

In baptism each one of us is washed clean of sin, adopted as a child of God, and is promised a future resurrection on the last day.  We ourselves may grow weary seeking constant refuge in this world that seeks to destroy us.  We too seek to escape death itself, though it is certain that we will face her one day.  Yet, having this promise of ultimate refuge is comforting as we make our way through the desert of life to the reign of God.