Easter Sunday (CL)

Matthew 28:1-10
1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 28:1–10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Women go to the Tomb on Easter Morning, they bringing spices with them to anoint the anointed one for burial. But they come and they are astonished to find someone else already there. His appearance is like lightning and his clothing as white as snow. They are over come by fear. He says to them "Fear not." But this is not the importance of his message.

He tells the women that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. The women are supposed to carry this message with them to other people. They are to tell his disciples what they have seen and heard. Therefore, the women run quickly to tell the disciples. They are consumed by fear and great joy. Happiness and Terror seem to be joined together.

Then Jesus Christ appears to the women. The women immediately recognize Jesus. They fall down and worship their Risen Savior. He conveys to the women the same message, the angel earlier told them. They are to spread this good news that Jesus has risen. Likewise, Christians are given the same message. Christians everywhere stand up on Easter and shout "He is Risen!" The message would hopefully remain on their lips everyday of their life.

Christ has died. Christ is Risen. Christ will come again.

PS: Alternate Gospel Lesson is John 20:1-18.