A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 28: 1-10
He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you into Galilee
After the sabbath, and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre. And all at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow.
The guards were so shaken, so frightened of him, that they were like dead men. But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, ‘There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.” Now I have told you.’
Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples. And there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. ‘Greetings’ he said. And the women came up to him and, falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’
The Gospel of the Lord
My dear friends, Jesus has truly RISEN as he said he would! Alleluia!
You know that feeling when somebody tells you they are going to do something, but you walk away thinking, I believe it when I see it?
And Jesus not only keeps his promise, but; absolutely blows us out of the water with His Glorious Resurrection! And throws us into utter confusion. Now what do we do? What do we believe? We Celebrate His Glorious Resurrection!
The ‘Eternal Love’ given so freely on Holy Thursday and Good Friday is well and truly Conquered and affirmed in this act of Jesus RESURECTION from the dead!
A sign of the Father’s and Son’s boundless and endless ‘Eternal Mercy and Love’ for us his people who try so faithfully to live out our baptismal promises in the here and now! My friends, Glory in the ‘New Life’ that Jesus’ brings through the Power of His Resurrection!
Have a blessed and Happy Easter – Stay safe and well – You are all in my prayers!
My love to you all Fr John