The scripture readings for the Easter Vigil can be found at http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042019.cfm
and the scripture readings for Easter Day can be found at http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042119.cfm
"Why do you seek the living one amongthe dead?He is not here, but he has been raised.” – Luke 24:5-6
Our 40
days of penance and sacrifice comes to an end during the Easter Vigil with the
Resurrection of Our Lord from the dead. We hear in the gospel reading from the
Easter Vigil that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, went to
the tomb of Jesus to bring spices to anoint the Body of the Lord. To their surprise they find the stone of the tomb rolled back, and upon entering the tomb they see it was empty! Our Lord was not there!! To their further surprise, two men in dazzling clothes appears to them and reminds them that the Crucified Lord has been risen from the dead: “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over tosinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” (Luke 24:5-7)
The women went in search of the Lord, expecting him to be dead, but instead receive the Good News that Jesus was indeed alive. Their lives will never be the same after that. As a result of the Risen Lord, they were able get closer to God and receive forgiveness and salvation.
All through our Lenten Journey we spent time studying scripture, fasting, and getting closer to God. We, too, like the women of Jerusalem, are called to search out the Risen Lord. We are called to journey with the Lord by continuing our Bible study and seeking His Will in all that happens in our lives. Let us continue to make time daily to study the Bible, and to possibly attend daily Mass (in addition to Sunday). Further, the regular use of confession throughout the year will continue to help us get closer to the Risen Lord.
