Just as the sun rises, the women make their way to the tomb. They are not expecting it to be empty; on the contrary, they carry with them the bitter spices of forlorn hope and grief too terrible for words. Yet, within the tomb, they do not find death nor even simply the absence of a body. Rather, they find words of hope and life: ‘He is not here; but has risen’.

When the women report their experience at the tomb, their words are thought to be an ‘idle tale’ (Luke 24:11). Yet, despite the seeming implausibility of the claim, something is awakened in Peter — a hope rekindled and a zeal renewed. He doesn’t walk; he runs. In the empty tomb, he finds the abandoned burial cloths. Death has been robbed of its victim, and life restored to its throne.

And the one who was seated on the throne says, ‘See, I am making all things new’ (Revelation 21:5).

This Lenten journey has invited us to start anew in Christ. Having responded to his summons to take up the cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24), we now arrive at this day, which powerfully proclaims the new creation ushered in by Christ’s death and resurrection. As we rejoice, let us ponder: what is new about this Easter? What has God worked in you during this solemn journey?

Perhaps you have discovered a new joy within yourself or a renewed hope that underpins your life. Perhaps, through Lent, you have cultivated a deeper fervour in prayer.

Even if you have found the journey challenging or are facing circumstances that make it hard to find joy in this moment, do not lose heart. Today, we celebrate the light that bursts forth from the darkness of the tomb. Every morning, as the sun rises, we have the possibility of starting anew in Christ.

On that first Easter Sunday morning, the disciples’ journey of transformation was, in many ways, only just beginning. They move from outright scepticism to amazement. Yet Jesus continues his work of transformation within them as they encounter his risen presence. We, too, are not the finished product, nor is our journey over.

On this Easter Sunday, may we too ‘run’ to the tomb and, finding it empty, leave ‘amazed’ (Luke 24:12). Furthermore, having encountered the transformative power of the Risen Christ in our own lives, let us respond to the missionary imperative of this moment. Let us, like Mary Magdalene and the other women, remember Christ’s words and believe in them. In a world where death still seems to dominate, and the shadow of the grave looms large, the report of an empty tomb is no mere ‘idle tale’ (Luke 24:11). Rather, these words are healing for our troubled world. Let us joyfully announce the Good News of Christ’s resurrection, proclaiming that love has conquered death and hope springs forth eternally.

by Fr Michael Grace