The silence: deafening. Broken only by an excruciating groan from the protesting joints of a wooden chair as one of those seated shifts their weight.
No one speaks. But volumes are communicated as ashamed, bloodshot and guilt-ridden eyes meet across the room and quickly withdraw.
Suddenly, a familiar voice, clear and strong, declares, “Peace be with you.”
As if the roof were ripped off the house and the noon day sun flooded the room so their hearts were engulfed in joy.
In one glorious moment their inconsolable sorrow was unexpectantly turned to inexpressible exultation.
Botticelli’s Resurrection of Christ (1490) #EasterDayImages pic.twitter.com/HFZhC7SmrK
— Tim Montgomerie (@montie) March 27, 2016