S3 E27: He Is Risen! The Joy of Easter Morning

What if the miracle of Easter doesn't happen when Jesus rises, but when we actually believe it? Ansley Dauenhauer takes us from childhood memories of giving up chocolate for Lent (and the delicious relief of Easter morning indulgence) to the profound reality of that first Easter—which was nothing like the joyful awakening we experience today. The disciples woke up heavy with grief, wondering if they'd been used, questioning whether Jesus was actually who he said he was. Even as Mary went to tend his body, love drove her forward despite despair. Ansley explores the moment when the miracle truly occurs—not when Jesus is risen, but when the disciples believe. Using spiritual imagination, she wonders if Jesus himself sat up in the tomb in wonder, perhaps even in disbelief, before joyfully shedding his burial cloths and rushing out shouting, "I am risen!" This beautiful meditation on Jesus' full humanity—his questions, his suffering, and his triumphant joy—makes the resurrection feel more relatable and real. Because Jesus lived his questions all the way to the answers, we can trust that God is victorious and death itself is conquered. So enjoy that chocolate Easter bunny without one iota of guilt—Jesus fully understands, and his joy mirrors your own.

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Ansley Dauenhauer is a life-long educator and writer. Her roles in schools, museums, and parish settings have afforded her opportunities to connect with students of all ages through the curricula she has developed on topics that range from Latin programs for elementary school students to leading and writing programs for summer science camps to coordinating the elementary Faith Formation program at Blessed Sacrament to demystifying writing advanced research papers for high school students. Ansley often captures her experiences in essay form, some of which have been published in both local and national presses. She loves to wrestle with complex topics (like Scripture!) through words. Recently, her twin passions of teaching and writing led her to offer Guided Memoir Writing classes and freelance editing services at her venture, The Lofty Quill.