Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22-33 ~~~ Psalm 16 ~~~ Matt. 28: 8-15
Today is my 100th post for this blog.
I must say I am proud of my discipline to stay the course.
Jesus goes before us in all things. He leads the way for he is the way, the truth and the life. It is through his death and resurrection that we find hope and strength. It is because we see and believe what we have been told; death does not generate despair. Death is not the end. Death is the real beginning.
Therefore we join the psalmist "...my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence..."
my body, too, abides in confidence..."
The writings of Matthew record that Jesus meets Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they are rushing away from the tomb to share the good news. Jesus says to them, "Do not be afraid...", but they are already down embracing his feet.
It is hard to imagine what this scene might have looked like.
It is hard to imagine what this scene might have looked like.
Now Jesus did not have to avoid the authorities. He did not have to fear for his life any longer. He is eager to see his apostles again in his new body.
His new body glorified by God and renewed by the Spirit of everlasting life.
His new body glorified by God and renewed by the Spirit of everlasting life.
If they could see him they would be filled with his peace and hope.
He would dissolve all of their fears.
He would dissolve all of their fears.
The women came with the oils and spices,
but there was no need to anoint the body. The body was already gone.
but there was no need to anoint the body. The body was already gone.
I am reminded of the Chrism Mass which takes place early in Holy Week. This is the most extravagant and lavish of the liturgies. This special Mass only takes place once for the whole diocese. This is the Mass where all of the sacramental oils used for the year are extended special blessings. Large urns or jars filled with each of the three oils are presented in procession before the Cardinal.
Each of the oils is given a blessing particular to the sacrament for which it is used.
When the Chrism oil is presented the fragrance is actually added and mixed into the oil by the Cardinal. This potent fragrance infuses this oil used for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. The three sacraments received only once in a person's life.
The many rituals we hold dear give us a sense of security, one of our basic needs as human beings. These rituals emphasize there is nothing God would not do for us from washing our feet to giving up his very life.
What has this Easter inspired within you?
Personally I am reminded over and over again to let his words of everlasting life be the pillars of my heart. That no matter what may happen there is something greater beyond our understanding and knowledge.
May we never lose our sense of Wonder and Awe
for all the good things He has done for us.
The many rituals we hold dear give us a sense of security, one of our basic needs as human beings. These rituals emphasize there is nothing God would not do for us from washing our feet to giving up his very life.
What has this Easter inspired within you?
Personally I am reminded over and over again to let his words of everlasting life be the pillars of my heart. That no matter what may happen there is something greater beyond our understanding and knowledge.
May we never lose our sense of Wonder and Awe
for all the good things He has done for us.
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