Resurrection from the Tomb

Through the horrific journey of betrayal, torture, the jeering of crowds, and through the Cross, Jesus gave up his life, his body laid in a tomb.  In the Gospel of John, it was Mary of Magdala who came to that tomb, a sad, safe, and necessary place of consolation.  There is a parallel here with Jesus himself, who, after celebrating the Last Supper, went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  He knew his disciples (but one, John) would not follow him into the ordeal ahead.  He experienced completely the isolation of the fallen human condition.  The Garden was his safe place.  He went to converse with his Father.

The Tomb, the Garden, the relationship with Jesus, the safe places where we pray: all are crucial to our understanding of the Resurrection.  Jesus is closest to us when we are in misery and dire need.  St. Therese of Lisieux noted that she could rejoice when she felt most miserable and alone, for there she would find Jesus most intimately.  In fact, she declared that she was most favored in her misery, for Jesus rejoiced to meet her there.  Just as Jesus was closest to his Father in his moment of dire, human isolation.

"St. Therese of Lisieux noted that she could rejoice when she felt most miserable and alone, for there she would find Jesus most intimately."

There is an empty tomb in each life, a Garden of Gethsemane, a place of loss and sorrow.  The celebration of the Easter resurrection includes the whole Triduum event; suffering, death, and resurrection.  However, the empty tomb stands out as a sign, not to provide an answer, but as a safe place where the presence and guidance of Jesus will be found.  Mary of Magdala brought the news to Peter and John; the promise of resurrection was unfolding.  He would appear in Galilee: go there, you will find him. The empty tomb of lost dreams, dashed hopes, and bitter memories is not to be avoided.  It is the safe place of prayer.  Jesus will be there, and he will lead you forward with confidence.  This is entering into the resurrection.

Messages of guidance will unfold in the liturgies to come throughout the Holy Season of Easter.  Come, join Thomas the doubter, the disciples feeling to Emaeus, the divine insights of St. John in his Gospels, to the safe place which is our sanctuary, our tabernacle, our prayer, our Eucharist.  We have record numbers joining our church through the OCIA, and Confirmations yet to come.  Allow Jesus to meet you on the way.  The Ascension, the Upper Room, and Pentecost lie ahead.  May Our Lord bring to you, and yours, and all his children, all the graces and blessings of a Happy, Holy Easter!    

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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