Easter insights for those in distress: Pause, contemplate, and allow three days.

Medical Miracles of 2025

Dr. Mark Siegel, a senior medical analyst, recently highlighted five significant medical breakthroughs of 2025 on “Fox & Friends.” These breakthroughs range from advancements related to hostages in Gaza to new cancer technologies, AI innovations, and a product called NexoBrid.

Anxiety can sometimes take over. For instance, a friend recently shared some unsettling medical news, which led me to reflect on my own health. It’s easy to get caught up in worries about finances too—like, will I have enough saved for retirement? And then there’s the constant influx of distressing news about suffering all over the world. It can really throw off my sense of well-being.

I often find myself reminding me of the essence of Easter. There’s a message there: “Give me some time. Give me three days.” Change is underway. Sometimes, good things will emerge after turmoil. It really is important to be patient, perhaps for about three days.

Let’s circle back to an old story. Sure, it might not be real, but it carries a kindness that’s helpful.

Picture this: a woman attending church on Easter Monday. On her return home, she pauses to chat with an elderly woman on the steps, who’s selling corsages. Despite her rough appearance, the woman exudes warmth and joy.

“I lost my daughter, but I trust God’s love will guide me through my grief this Christmas,” the older woman shares.

“How is that possible?” the churchgoer wonders, stopping to engage in conversation. The struggles of flower sellers are undeniable. Still, the recent joy of Easter provides solace. The transition from Good Friday’s pain to the mystery of the Resurrection embodies about three days of transformation. “Whatever happens, just wait three days,” the woman reminds her.

It’s been noted that the women in the Bible witnessed the horrors of the crucifixion firsthand—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and others, depending on which Gospel is referenced. Interestingly, none of the disciples were present at the crucifixion. As tough as that period was, it was the women who remained steadfast.

Then, who were the first to discover the empty tomb when they arrived with spices? It was the women. An angel informed them of Jesus’s resurrection and instructed them to share the news with the men. In Mark’s Gospel, we hear, “Fear and astonishment took hold of them, so they went out and fled from the tomb…”

In John’s account, Mary Magdalene, while weeping, encounters the risen Jesus but doesn’t recognize Him until He calls her name. “Mary.” Isn’t it striking? When Jesus speaks to us, we know Him instantly.

Our church has a long Good Friday service every year, and it’s often a poignant experience as stories of the Passion are recounted, maybe at times too somber. Is it necessary to act out this story every single year?

Yet, there’s value in it. Yes, we all face pain and bear witness to tremendous suffering. It’s crucial not to ignore or flee from it. Acknowledge it. Embrace it. Consider what it teaches. As noted by the insightful teacher Richard Rohr, we learn two core lessons: love and suffering.

It’s vital to be aware—both of our own pain and the pain in the world. There’s something profound waiting on the other side of that suffering. You’ll find beauty and truth. What can you do? Just take a moment. Maybe go for a walk, sit in silence, or have a heart-to-heart with a friend. Pick up a book—anything that feels right. Just pause for a few days.