April 11, 2020 Easter Vigil Lynne Smith, OSB
Matthew 28:1-10, “He is going ahead of you” Romans 6:3-11
At dawn, the first day of the week, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” They went expecting to see where Jesus dead body lay. They went no doubt to mourn, to remember, to try to bring closure to this terrible event. Since they knew they would see him no more, they went to see the tomb.
These days, we can understand their feelings. Each day we wake up to see how many more have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, how many more have died, how many more respirators are needed, how many more people are unemployed, how much has the stock market lost. When we turn on the news, it feels as if we are seeing the tomb. Sometimes, that may be all we can see, as fear and anxiety cloud our vision.
Just as the women get to the tomb, their world is shaken once again. If they had any thought left of being in control, it is gone with the earthquake. Everything is turned upside down.
Into this liminal space, this space between death and life, this space full of fear and longing comes a message: “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. He has been raised from the dead, and is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”
“Tell others this message. He is going before you; you will see him there. You will see him continuing to bring about the life he wants to give all people.
- You will see him at the River food pantry, at St. Vinney’s, at Luke House at Middleton Outreach Ministry feeding those who have no food.
- You will see him at Meriter, UW Hospital, St. Mary’s, at nursing facilities in all those who heal, console and care for those who are ill.
- You will see him online teaching meditation and mindfulness, sharing reflections on Scripture, connecting with whose who are lonely and fearful.
- He is going before you. You will see him in prisons and detention centers where lawyers and others work for a just mercy for all.
Seeing the risen One, our hearts are opened by his love. Fear, though present, no longer has the upper hand. This love that is stronger than death overcomes fear. As St. Paul says, “We who have been united with Christ in a death like his (by our baptism), will certainly be united with Christ in a resurrection like his.”
“Do not be afraid,” he says. “Go to Galilee. I am going before you. Tell my brothers and sisters there they will see me.”