The Joy of Easter

“He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:6-8)  There is no greater announcement than the angel’s joyous message at the empty tomb!  “He has been raised from the dead…”  This is the word without which there is no Gospel and for that matter, there is no New Testament.  This word changes everything!  Let the importance and the joy of that wash over you.  Now with great care, listen to the second part of the angel’s message: “Go quickly and tell…He is going ahead of you to Galilee…”  The joy of Easter always contains a commission; a call to service.  In other words, it is impossible to return to business as usual once we peer into the empty tomb.  Now we are called!  Now we are invited to share the joy, which we have experienced.  Who do you know that needs to hear the Good News?  Maybe it is a family member, maybe it is the homeless veteran on the street corner.  Whoever it is, know that you are called and as we share the joy we realize something amazing.  The more we share the Good News, the more we appreciate it for ourselves.  The more we give it away, the more we find that it is transforming us.  Christ is risen; he is risen indeed!  Happy Easter everyone.