The Sabbath has ended and Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome come to anoint the body of Jesus with spices. To their surprise it was not necessary to roll back the stone to enter the tomb. On the contrary when they entered the tomb their was someone sitting in the tomb dressed in white. The women who came to the tomb were very courageous and understood the mercy of God that Jesus poured out to them in a unique way and opportunity. This gave them a sense of gratitude and love that would cause them to go the extra mile to come to the tomb. Today their are few who risk of themselves and their safety for the sake of the Lord. It is the Lord's overwhelming love that causes mere mortals to take on supernatural faith and conviction to do extraordinary things. St. Paul speaks of this love that moves us to do great things for God. "For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died." (2 Cor.5:14)
The women must have been afraid as they approached the tomb and the man dressed in white told them not to be afraid. Fear is an emotion that can be used to make us cautious but in some cases it can also paralyze an individual to the point where they become inactive. These women were not afraid to the point of inactivity but they had reason to caution. Much had surrounded the death of Jesus that came by way of the religious and civil authorities. It was monumental that these women made it this far. Love is a drive that can conquer all fears and apprehensions. For it was the love of God that Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for ours. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (Jn. 3:16) As you may have already realized these men in white are angels and angels are our friends. Angels are to be respected but not feared, on occasion they give us direction, guidance, and protection. The writer of Hebrews tells us that each believer has ministering angels who serve our well being. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1:14) We are the heirs of salvation and joint heirs with Christ Jesus and for this we are divinely guided, and protected. If you remember the dialogue between Satan and God regarding Job that Satan had to ask permission from God to do anything to Job. When Satan came against Job he was on a leash controlled by God with divine limitations. Whatever happens to us God has allowed for a purpose far superior than our own intellect can sometimes comprehend.
The angels tell both Mary's not to be amazed that the one you are looking for is no longer here He has risen from the dead. He tells them one more thing and in doing so it is a message of forgiveness wrapped up in directions. Although they are not there as one might think they should be the angel has a message for them. The message is the same as it is today, it is the message of resurrection and forgiveness. He said to the ladies tell the disciples and Peter that I have kept my word and rose from the dead like I said I would and I will see them in Galilee. Jesus is still telling us He has risen and He will see us. The question is are you looking for Him in the tomb or are you looking for the resurrected savior. Jesus has risen from the dead to give us newness of life, that is, life in the Spirit. Jesus is willing to forgive, pardon, and distribute His grace freely and mend any walls of division. I believe that was wrapped up in the message the angel told them to tell His disciples and Peter.
His servants and yours,
Gerard & Yolanda Cleffi Directors
Oratory of Divine Love
The Incarnation is God's answer to the misery of men without God. God alone stoops to man to raise him to Himself. "And if I be lifted up, will draw all things to Myself." Man has only to accept freely Christ as his Mediator. Not even Christ saves a man against his will. Because man is proud, God has stooped down to him. Since man is disobedient, God has given him the example of the perfect obedience of Christ. As man is ignorant and in error, God has given him Christ, the perfect Teacher. Could the love of God do more for man? "By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him."
Walter Farrell, O.P.,S.T.M., Martin J. Healey, S.T.D. My Way of Life, Brooklyn, NY, Confraternity of the Precious Blood, Pg.473
Let us pray. King of kings, direct the minds and hearts of those who hold authority; let justice and prevail and let goodwill reign forever. Lord Jesus, through your saving grace and power, may your Church continue to spread until it embraces every nation. Jesus prince of peace, you are meek and humble of heart; teach us to be thankful for all the blessings you bestow upon us. Jesus source of light and growth, increase vocations in your Church, like a gentle rain falling upon the earth; the harvest is great and your word must be announced through all the world until your kingdom comes. Amen.
Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP, Favorite Prayers And Novenas, Boston, Pauline Books & Media Pg. 411