This is the most blessed and most joyful night of the year as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
WE are so accustomed to hearing of Jesus risen from the dead that we could say “Oh yea…we know all about it” and miss the grace of entering fully into this celebration, But think about it, Jesus rose from the dead! Death is not the end.
It is only the door to beyond. Let us not allow the resurrection of Jesus to have to fight for room in our lives, let Jesus’ death and resurrection be the center of our lives.
We began our celebration tonight with a service of light, which symbolized Jesus rising from the dead, and bringing light to all of us. The light of Christ has shone in the world scattering darkness forever. We had been waiting for this moment for thousands of years.
We heard in the readings tonight an account of the creation of man and woman (first reading) and the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt (third reading). This was in God’s plan for mankind, but the highpoint in God’s plan for us was the resurrection. This is the greatest celebration of the Church.
Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that there is life beyond the grave…Although our body will return to dust, our soul will live forever with God.
This night is the most blessed of all as we heard in the Exultet, the Easter Proclamation. Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that there is life beyond the grave. Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that there is more to each of us than meets the eye, that we have an immortal soul. Although our body will return to dust, our soul will live forever with God.
What is the purpose of life? What is your goal in life? Where is your heart in life? Life has only one ultimate goal, to prepare for the next life, and if you are not preparing for your own resurrection you are like a train that has become derailed. What happens to a train that gets derailed? It goes nowhere.
Think of the glorious future that awaits each of us. Why can we expect such a glorious future? Because we are baptized. That is why baptism is so important. When we are baptized we are adopted by God as his very own sons and daughters.
The three women in the Gospel came to the tomb wondering who would roll away the stone for them (Year B, Mark 16:1-3). But when they got there the stone was already rolled away. Have you allowed a stone to prevent you from meeting the risen Jesus?
You were adopted as God’s son or daughter on the day you were baptized. If you are not living like a son or daughter of God roll away the stone. If you are not happy, that is a sure sign that the stone needs to be rolled away in your life.
If you knew the risen Jesus you would have such joy in your heart that nothing else could give you. Think of the total change that occurred in Paul’s life after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. You must roll away the stone for that.
