Could you imagine the utter shock that Mary experienced at finding the tomb empty? The first thing she does is to seek the leader of the apostles, Peter, and tell him this devastating news: They have taken Him away and we do not know where they had put Him. It was sad enough to see Him suffer and die on the cross, and then find Him missing from the tomb. The least they could do was go and prepare the body as a last act of loyal and faithful love to the One who meant so much to them. Now all hope is lost. Jesus is gone.
Notice in this narrative the beautiful primacy given to Peter? He is the first to be told about the missing Jesus. Then he is the first to see that the clothes are not there. The one who, only a few days ago, denied Jesus is at odds as to understand what he sees. The other disciple, on the other hand, went in and saw the clothes were not there. He saw and believed. The whole point of the Gospel of John is that seeing is believing. For that other disciple, no proof is needed of Jesus rising — to see was enough for him to believe. To see nothing was to believe everything. He saw and believed.
Such devastating news of the missing body turns out to be good news that shook the world in its foundations. Christ has risen! This is the greatest news ever told. Christ has risen. This is the greeting the Russian Orthodox exchange on this day of Easter. Christ has risen. He has truly risen! Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Reflection Question:
How would you respond if you went to the empty tomb? Would you doubt or would you believe?
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy endures forever. Amen.
St. Sabas, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment