The Empty Tomb

Gospel MT 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake; 
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, 
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead, 
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb, 
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them 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.”
In a matter of a few days, how quickly things changed!  The two Mary's saw one of God's angels.  Where were the angels during the crucifixion?  And the angel testified to Jesus resurrection.  They were fearful and overjoyed.  Is the angel really telling  the truth?  Then they encounter Jesus himself, raised from the dead.  It is true!  Jesus lives!  They collapse to His feet.  Jesus the man withered away on the cross.  Jesus the Son of Man, the Redeemer, returned to fulfill destiny and take his place at the right hand of God.  The two Mary's must have been overwhelmed with joy - having seen Jesus die a horrible death just days before.  The miracle of the resurrection is that Jesus was who He said He was. He died so that I would no longer be enslaved by sin.  His resurrection means that I too have a new life in complete communion with the Living God.