Resurrexit Sicut Dixit!
Behold, Jesus met [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary]
on their way and greeted them. They approached,
embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.” (Mt 28:9-10)
This is the day!
Throughout the season of Lent, we have been preparing for this very moment: the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord.
Our journey through Lent may have been a bit rigorous. It may have been a bit confounding. It may have been an exercise in futility as we broke resolution after resolution. It may have been all of these and more.
Yet, each movement, each day, brought us closer to this day. Hopefully, the season has helped prepare us to celebrate with joy the Lord’s victory over sin and death.
If our season has been a bit out of control and we find that we are not “in the right place” to celebrate Easter, we remind ourselves that we, most assuredly, are not alone in that regard. If we look through the early resurrection accounts, we find that the majority of the apostles and disciples had no clue as to what was going on.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb expecting to finish the preparation of the body of Jesus. What they found was an empty tomb and a message from angels that Jesus was not there. On their way to tell the apostles, Jesus appeared to them and sent them to proclaim the Good News to the apostles and to let them know that they, too, would soon see the Lord.
We have been commissioned to the same task: to go to our families and friends — indeed, to go to the whole world — and tell the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. Sin and death could not, can not, hold Him. And, because of that, sin and death will have no hold over us.
He is risen as He said! Alleluia, Alleluia!
FAITH ACTION: As you gather with family and friends today, encourage everyone to share something that the Lord has done for them and celebrate His presence among all of you.