In the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil for Year B Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James and Salome bring spices to the tomb in the morning. They wish to fulfill the ritual requirements of Jewish burials. They did not expect to find an empty tomb. Ritual is sometimes derided by people who have a great regard for enthusiasm and novelty. Yet, it is sometimes rituals that keep us putting one foot in front of the other as we have to deal with tragedy and grief. This is often the case when we have a bereavement and our brains struggle to deal with what has happened while our emotions are being overwhelmed. Nevertheless, we hang on in there an do what is asked of us especially when it comes to prayer an the liturgy. The vigil and the Mass take place as the Church prescribes. It is in this moment however, as it was on that Easter morning, that our God is revealed as being truly the "God of Surprises." It is through the pain, loss an grief that the true value of God's power and risen life in Christ Jesus shines through.
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