The Day After

 I wondered what his disciples were experiencing today. If we could travel back in time and witness a man we believed to be sent by God, the true Son of God, being executed by the authorities in plain sight, where would we find ourselves? What would we be doing on “The Day After” our Savior’s death? A wave of sorrow washed over me as I thought of His mother, the Blessed Mother. How excruciating it must have been for her to witness such hatred from the world and its leaders, who had once provided her with spiritual guidance. Now, they had turned her beloved son into an enemy, subjecting him to brutal treatment right before her eyes, piercing her heart with grief. As a mother, I can hardly fathom her pain, yet I find solace in knowing that she understood a greater purpose was unfolding and that she would reunite with her son.

 

My thoughts then turned to the disciples and their whereabouts. The Bible tells us they scattered that night when a group of men and officers, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees, came for Jesus. He had gone to the Garden to pray with them, where He asked His Father if the cup could be taken from Him, sweating blood in anticipation of His fate, yet ultimately submitting to His Father’s will. I also recalled the moment when the soldiers arrived; Jesus stepped forward and asked, “Whom do you seek?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” He replied, “I am He,” and at His words, the strong men fell backward to the ground. Jesus then asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” and, showing His willingness to protect His disciples, He allowed them to go free.

These are stories we are all familiar with, yet I reflect on the fear that gripped the men as they took Jesus away. They scattered in different directions, filled with terror. Even Peter followed in the shadows, trying to catch a glimpse of where they were leading Jesus. Prior to his arrest, Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny him three times. One by one, people questioned Peter, asking if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Each time, he denied it—once, twice, and then a third time—just as Jesus had foretold, and the rooster crowed. The following day, consumed by despair, Peter was heartbroken over his weakness in denying Christ. All of them were united in fear, praying together yet struggling to grasp the scriptures Jesus had shared with them.

 

Did they fail to understand that Jesus was the temple destined for destruction, which God would raise again in three days. Can you imagine the profound darkness in their hearts, lost in fear, pain, and hopelessness?

What were they doing that day? What was Mary doing after the death of her son? She was at the tomb with Mary Magdalene, waiting and praying. Before his death, Jesus had given his disciples much to contemplate, explaining that he had to return to the Father and that soon they would not see him, but then they would see him again because of this journey to the Father. They struggled to understand his sayings at the time.

 

Is it possible on that day, the day after, the disciples were discussing what Jesus had already told them, that he had to go to the father but would come back?. Were they beginning to reflect on the teachings of their Lord and Savior? I thought to myself, I would be hanging on every word he spoke, searching for hope. Truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be transformed into joy. He illustrated this with the example of a woman in labor, who experiences great pain, yet forgets it once her child is born. I wonder if they recalled all that Jesus had told them about praying to the Father on their behalf, so that the man of perdition, who is now in the world (Satan), could not seize their souls.

 

 

As I reflect on the fear and confusion the disciples must have felt, I can only imagine the turmoil and tears they experienced during that time, especially if they clung to the teachings of our Lord. They witnessed countless miracles, the profound love he demonstrated, and the instances of raising the dead—nothing is too difficult for God. I wonder if God communicated with them through dreams, like how he warned Pilate’s wife not to interfere with Jesus, reminding them that he was the Word made flesh, embodying truth and the true light of the world.

 

Did they ponder on the many old stories and scriptures in the Old Testament.  Did they think about Abraham, Issac, Jacob? Did they talk about the great miracles and stories of Moses? To give themselves hope especially this most holy time of Passover.

 

Jesus desired for every man and woman who heard his message to experience peace. He acknowledged that in this world, challenges would arise, that they would have tribulation, but encouraged them to take heart, for he had triumphed over the world.

 

 Perhaps this was a moment meant to test their faith before Christ’s return. When he comes back, it will be another incredible chapter, as he prepares them to spread his message through the Comforter.

 

It amazes me that we are here today, 2000 years later, knowing that our Lord and Savior is Christ Jesus. Even now, miracles occur, and our faith grows stronger. Yet, we may face trials before his return, and I believe that fear may cause us to scatter. However, if we hold on just a little longer, Jesus will return to us as prophesied.

 

Today, “The Day After”, we have a great hope and a great promise of Jesus return. Just like lightning from the East to the West, Jesus will return, surrounded by angels and saints, and the entire world will witness his arrival. Matthew 24:27 “For as lightening that comes from the east visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Next, I will share what happens when Jesus returns to empower his disciples to baptize and teach the gospel of Christ—the Great Commission. Wishing you a joyful day after!