Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Gerry Del Pinado SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Introduction
The pyramids of Egypt are famous because they contain the mummified bodies of ancient rulers. Westminster Abbey in London is renowned for housing the remains of English notables. Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. is revered as the resting place of American heroes. But the tomb of Jesus is empty. There is no epitaph beginning with “Here lies…” Instead, the angel proclaims: “He is not here; He has risen” (Luke 24:6).
Mary Magdalene’s Encounter
Mary of Magdala found the empty tomb, but her testimony was not “I found nothing.” It was: “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18). At first, she wept, thinking His body had been taken. She even mistook Him for the gardener (John 20:15). Human eyes can be deceived, but faith opens the heart to recognize the Risen One.
Faith as Divine Initiative
The resurrection is not proven by human investigation. It is revealed by God. As St. Paul writes: “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The angel’s message and Christ’s appearance are divine initiatives, inviting us to believe. Proof cannot come from emptiness; faith comes from encounter.
Our Response
The empty tomb challenges us: do we still stare at the cross asking “Why?” Or do we accept the angel’s word and Christ’s promise? Jesus Himself said: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Conclusion
The resurrection is not a matter of fact to be proven, but a matter of faith to be embraced. Let us echo Mary’s testimony: “I have seen the Lord.” And let us live as witnesses of the Risen Christ, whose empty tomb is the greatest sign of hope.
“Lord Jesus, open my eyes of faith to see You in my life and proclaim You as risen.”
One comment