The Lord is risen! Alleluia! We sing alleluia now but what was the first response of the disciples to the Resurrection? We read that the angels tell them: "Do not be alarmed" (Mk 16: 6) or "Do not be afraid" (Mtt 28: 5), because: "The women were terrified." (Lk 24: 5) They reacted with fear: "So they went away from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid" (Mk 16: 8), or confusion: "They have taken the Lord out from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." (Jn 20: 2) Fortunately, we live after Pentecost and have seen the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church since that resurrection morning, most likely seventy two hours after 3pm on April 13, AD 30. As much as the contemporary world, with all its challenges, may cause us fear or confusion we can have a sure and certain hope that Jesus Christ is indeed risen. The willingness of early Christians to die for this belief points to its truth. Thus, our appropriate reaction is Easter joy. We give voice to this in the Mass, especially the alleluia which has remained silent throughout Lent! May God bless you all on this Easter day and fill you with wonder at the beautiful faith we have received from the Apostles. Alleluia!
No comments:
Post a Comment