Mary, lost and confused, is sitting alone in the garden tomb when the unimaginable happens – she hears Jesus call her by name.

In one moment, all the pain she carries is transcended by Christ’s presence and her own naming. In this first episode of the Easter People audio retreat, listeners are invited to reflect on the experience of Mary and the transformative joy she feels upon realising that Jesus has returned to life.

As narrator Chris Chapman reflects during this uplifting and soulful audio retreat, Mary’s experience mirrors our own during moments of profound change.

Explore how the gentle calling of one’s own name, heard in a single moment, can become a gift to savour forever.

This episode begins with a short retelling of the two friends walking on the road to Emmaus [Luke 24.13-35].

The two friends feel troubled; heartbroken at the recent crucifixion of their Lord, and confused by rumours of his return. They are soon joined by a stranger, who walks with them and encourages their spirits.

At nightfall, upon breaking bread with the stranger, they realise he is none other than Jesus, their beloved Lord.

This episode focuses on the theme of journeying and walking. Chris invites listeners to reflect on the meditative nature of putting one foot in front of the other, or journeying from one place to another at a walking pace.

The disciples were gathered together behind a locked door when Jesus appears among them.

Confused and afraid for their safety, they had retreated into a small room and barred the door. Perhaps they only realised their Lord had joined them when they heard him say, “Peace be with you.”

After breathing on each of them so they received the Holy Spirit, he sends them on their way, out into the light of a new morning.

In this audio retreat, we think about our perceptions of ourselves. We imagine how we might question, challenge or refresh these perceptions – recognising that the door is unlocked and the world is open to us.

In the final episode of the Easter People audio retreat, we reflect on the story of Simon Peter, who is fishing when he hears Jesus call his name from the shore.

Awe-struck, Simon Peter dives into the sea and swims to shore – heading straight for the man he had thrice denied after the Last Supper. Imagine how he might have felt in that moment – joy, confusion, wonder, and trepidation.

But then Jesus turns to him and simply says, “Come and have breakfast.”

It is this fantastic blend of awe-inspiring and ordinary that we meditate on in this episode. The poet George Herbert described it as “Heaven in ordinary”; the wonder of an everyday moment.