Blog

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20  

Last Wednesday, as millions of people gathered around computers and televisions in anticipation of NASA’s launch of Artemis II, Mrs. Lancaster and her family joined nearly 400,000 enthusiastic spectators along the Florida coast for a firsthand experience and a treasured memory.

Artemis II is currently making history as the first human mission to journey around the Moon since Apollo 17, which occurred more than fifty years ago. This mission has already accomplished the task of carrying four astronauts farther from Earth than any crew has traveled before. Although this spacecraft will not land on the Moon, it has flown around the portion of the moon that is never visible from Earth, allowing these astronauts to become some of the first human eyes to see parts of that surface.

Blessed to have a daughter pursuing a career in space exploration, Mrs. Lancaster received in-depth explanations of the broadcasted communications from Mission Control as soon as the astronauts entered into crew module of the Orion spacecraft. As her family watched the countdown on a monitor and scanned the sky, within seconds of the command for “liftoff,” they could see the smoke, hear the engines as the spacecraft passed overhead, and even feel the ground rumble. Those of us watching from afar could appreciate the magnificence of this tremendous accomplishment, but the Lancasters’ experience was entirely different because they were actually there.

Last Sunday, Christians around the world were blessed with the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Through the Scripture accounts found in all four Gospels, we learn of God’s saving love for us through the power of the resurrection. Through Jesus’ excruciating crucifixion and glorious resurrection, we are assured that He saved us from our sins.

However, we can also reflect on what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene, one of the first eyewitnesses to see the empty tomb, to encounter the risen Lord, to observe the marks of His crucifixion, and to hear His voice speaking words of comfort and peace. Mary observed God’s power over death firsthand!

Mrs. Lancaster went to the Florida with anticipation of the launch. Mary went to the tomb early in the morning, fully unaware of what she was going to experience. Mrs. Lancaster experienced a historic milestone. Mary Magdalene experienced a world changing event that is the foundation of the Christian faith. Mrs. Lancaster experienced great joy sharing her personal experience of the launch. Mary’s life transformed from fearful to bold, and she became the first messenger to profess to the disciples that Jesus is alive. Lastly, Mrs. Lancaster observed a human achievement, but Mary encountered divine victory over death!

As we reflect upon the Resurrection, let’s follow Mary’s faithful example and live a life of tremendous joy and hope, where we boldly proclaim Jesus to those around us.

He is Risen… He is Risen Indeed!

Mrs. Palka