Leaving the Tomb Forever

Easter Sunday: March 31, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:34, 37–43; Psalm 118:1–2, 16–17, 22–23; Colossians 3:1–4; John 20:1–9

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/AeFDyC8Qdv0

The Christian religion is a religion of life. It believes in eternal life. The resurrection of the dead is one of the fundamental and dogmatic truths of the Christian faith. The foundation for such a belief rests upon the person of Jesus Christ Himself. All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John speak vividly about Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Even though the resurrection narratives of Jesus are short and fast-moving and yet they are vibrant and fascinating. The urgency and immediacy are felt very much inviting the believers to be convinced that they too will partake in the resurrection of Jesus once and for all.

 1. The empty tomb: The sign of Resurrection

The fundamental evidence of the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday is the empty tomb. Mary Magdeline, Peter and John the disciples of Jesus were the first ones to witness the empty tomb where the dead body of Jesus was laid in the tomb just a couple of days ago. After the crucifixion, Jesus handed over Mary, his mother to be in the custody of his beloved disciple John. He was entrusted with the task of caring for his mother who was not only a widow but an orphan at the death of her only son. It must have been Mary the mother of Jesus, who told the disciples including John to watch over the tomb of Jesus as the circumstances which led to his death were not just ordinary. Certainly, there must have been fear that, the body of her son would be desecrated or stolen or anything unpleasant would happen. 

The gospel writers give evidence in various forms of how the dead body of Jesus did not remain in the empty tomb. The angels and the gardeners are the ones who tell the terrified and timid disciples the rising of Jesus from the dead. We also notice that the resurrected Jesus appears only to his inner circle of disciples and friends. He comes across to them in various forms as a gardener, as co-pilgrim on the way to Emmaus,  as a cook at the lakeside, etc. Jesus touches the frightened and lost disciples giving them courage and strength. He becomes the force of their new life which they would begin starting from Jerusalem. They would be courageous people even shaking the whole city of Jerusalem. They become thunder with the power of the resurrection of our Lord.

2. Freshness and a new lease of life in the resurrection

The dominant emotions the men and women disciples experience the courage and strength despite the physical absence of Jesus. What they experience is the sudden charge of energy and power to preach the Risen Lord. They not only become witnesses of the Resurrection, but they are even ready to speak this truth which was unbelievable for others. It's a novel thing that resurrection in bodily form happens in the person of Jesus. There is new energy, resilience and hyperactivity with the resurrection of Jesus. There is freshness and a new lease of life despite the terrible pain and agony which they had seen when he had taken up the Cross and finally the death on it. They couldn't bear it. That is why many had run away from this site as they thought they would be next in the line to the crucifixion. 

The resurrection of Jesus was an altogether new experience for the disciples. They find a new expression for their fears and trembling. The very source of sorrow now becomes a joy. It was an uncontainable joy. They shared in the peace of Christ. Joy and peace were the two elements powerfully brought to the disciples. They found only the good and benevolent things of Jesus to share. Their concentration is on the present and not on the past. They see the future reality of their lives through the lens of resurrection. The effects of this unthinkable and unimaginable mystery of the Lord's resurrection puts the disciples to be preachers of his gospels binging their master's message of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, communion, compassion, forgiveness and mercy. In the resurrected Jesus, the disciples find everything to carry on the mission that was entrusted to them at the Last Supper. 

3. Ever renewing our spirit through the resurrection of our Lord

What do we carry with us with the resurrection of our Lord? How can we become Easter to others? Easter should make us, Christians to participate in the fruits of the resurrection of our Lord. Easter calls us to be partakers of God's new blessing and gift which is resurrection. We are not called for a life of timidity and lifelessness, but a life of abundance and exuberance. The resurrection of our Lord is a call to action. That is to participate in the mission of our Lord wherever we are. We are called to become Christ-like in our dealings, talks, actions and other things. We are called to be the peacemakers and reconcilers, where communion is the primary focus. We are also called to preach the Gospel of our Lord to the ends of the earth. That means we are invited to be his close disciples. 

Even after 2000 years since the resurrection of our Lord, Easter continues to inspire us. Many people continue to embrace Jesus and his teachings. They become the torchbearers of his love and compassion. They continue to mould families of harmony and unity. In our parishes and missions, we see the vibrancy of Easter continues to invite people every Sunday to the places of worship and to share in the body and body of our Lord. The mission of our Lord continues to thrive in those difficult places and locations, hoping that one day, the joy of Easter becomes a reality.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

On this glorious Easter Sunday, we lift our hearts to you in gratitude and praise. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and rose triumphantly from the grave, bringing us the promise of eternal life. As we gather in worship and celebration, we ask for your blessing upon each person present and upon all who are joining us in spirit. May the joy of this holy day fill our hearts and overflow into our lives, illuminating every corner with the light of your love.

Grant us the courage to live as Easter people, embracing the hope and renewal that your resurrection brings. Help us to embody your compassion and forgiveness, reaching out to others with kindness and mercy. Bless our families, our communities, and our world with your peace and grace. May the joy of Easter shine brightly in our midst, guiding us through every trial and triumph. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 20, 2024