March
29, 2026 – Psalm Sunday
Theme: One Mary Experienced The Resurrected Christ, She Told Others, “He Lives”
Today’s Scripture: John 20:17-18
Scripture: 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for
I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell
them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your
God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the
disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he
had said these things to her.
Thought:– In John 20:1–18, the story begins in
darkness “while it was still dark.” The crucifixion had crushed hope. The tomb
was sealed. It seemed like the end. Mary
Magdalene comes to the tomb grieving, expecting death, not resurrection.
When she sees the stone rolled away, she assumes the worst. Grief often blinds
us to what God is doing. She tells Simon Peter and John. They see the empty tomb but
leave still trying to understand. Mary stays behind, weeping. Then Jesus
appears, but she doesn’t recognize Him. Sorrow clouds her vision. Everything
changes when He speaks one word: “Mary.” When the risen Christ calls her by
name, despair turns to joy. She came seeking a body but left bearing a message:
“I have seen the Lord.” The resurrection reminds us that Jesus meets us
personally. He knows our pain. He calls our name. And He turns our mourning
into mission.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are alive and that You call
us by name. When we walk in darkness, help us trust that dawn is coming. When
grief clouds our vision, open our eyes to see You standing near. Turn our
sorrow into joy and our fear into faith. Like Mary, send us out to share the
good news that You are risen. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen and Amen
Positive
Practice: – Today, carry the message of hope just as Mary
Magdalene did. Reach out to one person who may be discouraged or burdened and
share a word of encouragement, a scripture, or a simple reminder that the
Lord is alive and still at work.
Lenten
Emphasis: Women’s Emphasis Month, Girl Scout Sunday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, &
Intergenerational Sunday
Mission Emphasis: -
HBCUs: Support HBCUs by praying for students on uncertain
paths and offering mentorship or financial support. Your encouragement reminds
students that they are not walking alone.