He’s Alive
Easter Sunday – my favorite day of the year – hands down. The celebration for me begins at the Easter
Vigil. A few weeks ago, I saw Gary
bringing in a large narrow box, and I wanted to shout, “The new Easter candle
is here, the new Easter candle is here.”
I am filled with anticipation to see what Father Balash has chosen for
us this year.
I love how we begin
outside with a new flame and then that flame is shared and breaks through the
darkness as our candles are lit. This to
me is a beautiful, visual reminder that we each carry the light of Christ
within us. It is a light that shines
brightest when it is shared with others.
I have always felt a connection with Mary Magdalene. For me, she represents the epitome of pure Christian
love. I often hold in my mind the image
of her going to the tomb to anoint the body of her friend, and upon arrival
find the stone rolled away. I imagine
her dropping the holy oil and spices and running to see if someone has harmed
his body. She arrives in the tomb, only
to find the shroud. I imagine her
picking it up and holding it tight to her chest in tears and confusion. Where is her Jesus? Suddenly He appears and she wants to touch
him but he keeps her at a distance, and so she runs filled with joy and wonder
to spread the good news HE IS ALIVE!
The image of the empty tomb came to life for me nine years
ago when my sweet Grandmother died. My
grandparents have one of those large above the ground tombs. As we were leaving the cemetery, mom wanted
to pass by the tomb. As we approached, I
could see that Grandma’s stone was sitting to the side so that her earthly
remains could be encased in the tomb. My
first instinct was to look inside because I wanted to see my Grandfather’s
casket – I don’t know why – that little five year old girl just longed to see
her grandpa. Then I snapped back to
reality and it hit me – the tomb is empty.
I know that empty space was waiting to receive Grandma but all I could
think of was the TOMB IS EMPTY – she is alive and is rejoicing with the Holy
One!
“He’s alive and I’m forgiven, heaven’s gates are opened
wide.” Rejoice my friends; share your
light of Christ with others; spread the Good News!
Shalom,
Tina
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