“They have taken the Lord from the tomb”
Here we are, in the midst of the holiest week of the year. And yet, as we approach the three day celebration known as the Easter Sacred Triduum, it is important to note the uncertainty of it all.
As they have been approaching Jerusalem, the Apostles and other disciples were uncertain about what Jesus has meant when he spoke of his impending death, what he meant by being raised up, what he meant about being betrayed. On Holy Thursday, the Apostles were filled with uncertainty about what exactly Jesus was doing and talking about as he broke the bread, shared the chalice, and washed their feet. On Good Friday, as Jesus died and especially after, the Apostles and other disciples were wildly uncertain about their future, filled with fear that they were next. And on Holy Saturday, as they remained together in silent horror, they were uncertain about where to go, what to do, what to say.
The Gospel reading for Easter Sunday morning from John's Gospel (one of several options for Mass) will continue this uncertainty, with Mary Magdalene running to the Apostles and saying: "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him." And yet, somehow, upon arriving at the empty tomb, in the midst of all this uncertainty, hope blooms. The "other disciple," usually understood as John but also speculated to be intended by the author as our place in the story, "saw and believed."
As we move through this time of uncertainty in our world, let us pray that hope will indeed bloom in our hearts too! While we are in the midst of the story liturgically now, in reality we know how the story ends, with Christ's victory over death! May we take up our place as bearers of the Good News of Christ's resurrection, especially by acts of mercy and charity! And, by them, may others see that hardship, suffering, and even death are not the end. God is still with us, and His Son's resurrection promises us even greater things to come!
Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.