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A Reflection from the Fuel Daily Readings App from Easter Sunday 2021. Click here to read the reading.
“There’s nothing to see here.” Actually, there really is. The miracle of this gospel account is that each person making their way to the tomb finds nothing at all – no body of Jesus, no angels, not even a note, but only some empty, discarded cloths.
Mary of Magdala jumps to the conclusion that “they” have taken the body away – who are “they”? The guards, some practical jokers, the other disciples? Just imagine how terrified she must have been! It was dark when she showed up and the tomb was open and empty.
This is the challenge of the Easter Story. It’s when things are confusing, dark, bewildering, and we’re experiencing grief, sorrow, and despair that we need to most seek out Jesus. Mary did, and the light of the Resurrection began to creep onto the scene, though she was still unaware of it and still seeking out an answer, or someone to blame.
The sprinting disciples also find nothing and yet, they “believe.” They know there is something life-changing here. They remember the promise of Jesus’ Resurrection and while they don’t fully understand it yet, they “believe”.
Maybe you are in the midst of a dark, difficult time. Maybe you’re bewildered, persecuted, tired, bereaved, or despairing? Stick around and hold your head up – the tomb-busting, death-defying, victorious Jesus is on His way! And as St Paul says in the second reading, “your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3). Just wait for it to be revealed!
+ Risen Jesus, help me keep on waiting for You to move in my life. Give me the courage to believe the light of Your Resurrection will chase away the darkness. I trust in You. Amen.