Easter Hope

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples:  ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Suddenly, Jesus met them.  “Greetings!”  Hi said.  They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.  Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  (Matthew 28:10)

The last thing the two Mary’s thought they would experience at the tomb was a feeling of joy!  After witnessing Jesus’ death on the cross, they came that day with heavy hearts, only to find that their Lord truly had risen!  Of course they were afraid and Joyful!  The other gospels share the story in different ways, but the result is the same.  Jesus is Risen!  Alleluia!

What does this mean to us?  It means that God has sought US out.  He wants us to live with him forever!  “The tomb wasn’t a  dead end – now life with God has no end.  There is no end to the love and mercy and kindness God shows to us!  There is no end to forgiveness.  While there may be an end to life here on earth, there is no end to life in God’s presence.  Here or in the next life!  Easter changes everything!” (Pr. Ruth Ann Loughry)

Through his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, God has overcome death.  This Easter, we can share this unbelievably good news with our friends, family, and neighbors.  There is hope for our lives in this world and the next.  Let us rejoice!