Resurrection Joy

Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

What would it have been like to go to the tomb, expecting to find Jesus’ body only to find an empty space? Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, in order to anoint Jesus after the Sabbath. But they find that he is gone. Angels tell them to let the disciples know that he has gone on to Galilee, where they should meet him. We also hear part of the story where Mary Magdalene is weeping, but when Jesus calls her name, she recognizes him. As the women realized what these words from the angels and Jesus meant, they must have been filled with joy.

That joy led them to be the first preachers of the gospel, the good news. They told the story of the resurrection of Jesus, as we continue to tell it today. This sharing of their joy is the beginning of evangelization. The Resurrection is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Along with the joy of the Incarnation at Christmas, it is the powerful moment of Resurrection that offers us redemption!

Years ago, I taught a preaching class at Sacred Heart Seminary. I shared with my students on the first day of class that they were charged with providing an encounter with the Risen Lord in their homilies. Just as the disciples on the Road to Emmaus had an encounter with Jesus after His resurrection, any evangelist also provides their listeners with that same encounter.

At the Easter Vigil, the light of Christ is brought into the darkened church. The light scatters the darkness of death, shining on the empty tomb. I lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, where an ecumenical Easter sunrise service happened each year. As the dawn breaks, the same joy of the light of Christ breaks over the gathered worshippers. The light scatters the darkness. The joy of the Resurrection is present and ready for us to share. Let our celebrations raise us up. Let our joy raise up those around us. May Jesus equip us to do His work and keep us aware of His guidance and love throughout this Easter season and beyond.  

Blessed Angela: “Desire and endeavor to have all peoples know and love our Lord Jesus Christ.”