Day 21 - Life Beyond the Tomb

There are times when we feel entombed. We are in a dark place, cut off from others, alone with our darkness. We feel like we have died. We can see no light, for within this tomb there seems to be only complete nothingness. There are no windows or doors we can look out through to the world beyond. We believe this is where we will finally end our days, in darkness and alone.

During these times in the tomb, we need to know that the seasons of life proclaim nothing just ends, even though in winter there is so little sign of life. We need to know that nature declares that nothing is truly dead, just hidden in the tomb, waiting for the next phase of life, the resurrection. Sometimes we need to trust that after death, our story of resurrection from the dark, enclosed tomb can be told.

New life always begins in darkness, from the seed broken open beneath the earth in the soil, to a new life forming in a mother’s womb. Something new is being formed in the earth’s womb at this time and when it is fully formed, it will be born and the cries of this new child will bring such joy to the world, as all new life does.

So remember, that however dark the tomb, new life is being formed and there is always resurrection in one form or another.

All we can do is to trust that new always comes from old and life is always being formed in the dark, hidden places. You may not be able to see the child in the womb in the natural, but as we see the mother’s stomach enlarging, we surely know that new life is on its way. It will be a life created by God as a gift of hope to this world.

When have you felt entombed? What do you remember of that experience?

What new life was brought forth from that time, ie a resurrection?

How best can you help another going through this dark tomb time?

Are there any friends who you could reach out to during this time, who may be experiencing a tomb time?