What would it be like, that dialogue?
"Is it really you? My God [sorry] that was a dumb question. Of course it's you. Can I start over? Again, a dumb question. You're the author of starting over. How many times have you let me start over."
"RELAX. JUST FEEL THE PEACE. IT'S NOT RECESSARY TO TALK SO MUCH."
"I get it, Lord. Thanks for that. You know I am grateful for so much, for your understanding. Even now I feel like I know the answers to my questions as soon as I have asked them.
But there are some tough questions. Like why did my brother die and why am I still here? I know in my heart, but I just want to hear it from you."
"YOU'RE RIGHT, YOU KNOW. I PUT MY SPIRIT IN YOU TO HELP YOU FIGURE IT OUT. I HAVE PLANS FOR YOU."
"I guess I knew that. Thanks to the Spirit. But why can't I be more perfect, more true to your love?"
"JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART. I HAVE GIVEN YOU A GIFT TO EMPATHISE."
"But why is it so hard to forgive others, to love them with their faults? How do you do it? I know, you're Jesus."
"YOU HAVE SOMETHING THERE. AS YOU BECOME MORE LIKE ME IT WILL BECOME EASIER."
"What about the rest? Why do I keep failing when I should know better?"
"REMEMBER PETER? IT'S NOT THE FAILURE THAT MATTERS. IT'S WHAT YOU DO AFTER. AND I DO HAVE PLANS FOR YOU."
"I think I can see that. I'll try to keep up. You have given me so much, so many ways to build and get stronger. I'll listen daily for that Spirit, for your message."
"THAT IS THE RIGHT TRACK. EVERY DAY, IN EVERY MOMENT I HAVE A PURPOSE FOR YOU. THAT PURPOSE INCLUDES EVERYONE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH, FROM YOUR SPOUSE, CHILDREN, FRIENDS, READERS, TO THE CLERK AT THE STORE, AND THE HOMELESS ON THE STREET.
IF YOU BRING ME INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND LET ME SHINE THROUGH YOU, THERE'S NO TELLING WHAT CAN HAPPEN."
"Thank you Lord. I'm glad I stopped babbling to listen."
(thanks in part to The Word Among Us, Meditations for Lent 2012, p.36)
The Risen Christ really did appear - in Mark's Gospel: first to Mary of Magdala who told the disciples about Him, but they would not believe it; then to two disciples on the way to Emmaus; and then to the eleven at table.
Several other accounts from the disciples have Jesus appearing: to the twelve (Thomas now with them); Jesus on the sea shore telling Peter to cast his net again; Jesus on a mountain in Galilee with the eleven (Matthew); his ascension presence, and later his appearance to St Paul.
