XIV - The Resurrection

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome bought perfumed oils with which they intended to go and anoint Jesus. Very early, just after sunrise, on the first day of the week they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked, they found that the stone had been rolled back. On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting at the right, dressed in a white robe. This frightened them thoroughly, but he reassured them: “You need not be amazed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified. He has been raised up; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. Go now and tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee , where you will see him just as he told you.” (Mk 16: 1-7)

Ever-living God, our experience tells us that you never cease to surprise us. When the women arrived at the tomb, they were surprised to find the stone already removed. Entering the tomb, they were frightened by the presence of your angel. The mystery of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus reveals to us that in the midst of darkness you give light, in the midst of sin you give forgiveness, in the midst of wounds and division you give healing, and in the midst of death you give life. Continue to surprise us with your presence and your touch in our lives and in our world. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.