Remembering the Resurrection
What must those women have felt that morning? Jesus had changed everything for them. His Presence in their lives had brought to them a love and hope beyond anything they imagined; and all that was left was to anoint his dead body. The feeling must have been overwhelming. But, more importantly, what were they thinking? What had they thought when Jesus clearly told them he would rise on the third day? Did they remember? If they are overwhelmed, if they are losing hope, it is because of their forgetfulmess. Jesus could never have gone to the cross if he forgot his Father's love, or if he had forgotten all that the Old Testament says about the suffering servant having the final victory. The two men remind these women of what their feelings had clouded, just as Jesus himself will remind the despairing disciples on the road to Emmaus. In our forgetfulness we become as dead as a man on a cross. But the Father did not leave Jesus there and Jesus does not leave us there. Those three women and those two disciples were not left in the tomb of their forgetfulness. They were reminded and thus they were raised. From the very beginning Jesus shares his resurrection with us. And now we can understand the urgency of his command, "Do this in memory of me."
Reflection based on Luke 24:1-12
Father Richard Veras
God our Father, as storms buffet the house,
help us to remember your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ,
who is for ever alive and for ever our foundation.
Today's suggested penance: Spend thirty minutes in total silence.