Being OK with Different

Peter and John Running to the Tomb— Eugène Burnand (1850 – 1921), Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Mary Magdalene is distraught at the sight of the empty tomb. She rushes to tell Peter and John. They all head to the site--scared and confused. John lingers at the entrance, taking it all in. Peter bursts into the tomb boldly, but doesn't understand. Mary is crying. (John 20)

I love how differently they all behave because it reminds me that my kind of different isn't better than anyone else's kind of different.

John lingers in the entrance--and then believes.
Peter bursts in--but goes home to think.
Only Mary, heartbroken Mary stays there desperately thinking she must rescue the corpse somehow.

I love how Jesus takes the lead with all of them--loving each in the way that they need.

He calls Mary by name. He makes sure Peter knows that they're OK--2 denials before the rooster crows and all. He deigns to show Thomas the holes in his hands and side.

God help me not to be so disdainful of people who have different politics, different priorities, different ways of honoring you!