Easter Sunday

Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

The empty tomb is a wonderful image for us to keep in mind as we celebrate the Easter season. Jesus has risen! He has conquered death with his sacrificial Life. He has conquered sin with his virtuous Way. He has conquered false teachings with eternal Truth. Sometimes we must undergo symbolic deaths of our own in imitation of Jesus. These may be deaths to certain sins, imperfections, or even good things that we sacrifice for God or others. We also undergo deaths when we move, change jobs, and during other instances of change in our lives. However, each of these deaths brings us to a new life and an opportunity to fulfill God’s Will in another way. This is why we are constantly reminded to “be not afraid” throughout the gospels. We should not be afraid of death whether it is literal or symbolic because if we die for God and the good of others, then we will rise with Christ on the last day and share in the paradise of Heaven.

How do we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ in our daily lives? How do we express our thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice and the saving grace he poured out upon us through His Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection? Are we willing to undergo the symbolic deaths that will lead us to a better life?

O Lord, thank you for giving us the saving grace necessary for us to lead holy lives and rise with you.

Amen.