EASTER SUNDAY

JESUS IS NOT IN THE GRAVE

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint [Jesus]. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb…. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ”Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16: 1-2; 5-8

Lord, we have called you Jesus, Rabbi, Son of Man, Son of God, Messiah. Today we call you Lord. Our amazement at this day is beyond words. Our gratitude transcends what can be said. And yet we fear—fear and wonder, can it be true what the women said? Continue to remind us that indeed forgiveness is real, death is not the final word, evil is defeated. Continue to call us as we call to you. For we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Picture: "Inside the Dolman, the Tomb" St. Nectaire, France, 2002