March 31, 2018 HOLY SATURDAY THE EASTER VIGIL-B

Romans 6:3-11

Psalm 118

Mark 16:1-7

Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.  Mk 16:2

Lord, the women came to the tomb expecting to complete the anointing of your body.  They are concerned about the heavy stone which covered the entrance to the tomb.  But on that day the sun rose over a sight that “utterly amazed” them.  They couldn’t believe their eyes.  You were not where they expected you to be.  Everything changed that morning.   We have completed our journey of 40 days of fasting, praying and almsgiving and we are changed.  We are a new people, Lord.  The cross was not the end.  Life is now restored to the human race and hope is given to all that resurrection is for us too.   O my dear Jesus, how joyful I am that you live!  How joyful I am that you have removed the guilt and stain of sin from me.  How joyful I am that the doors of heaven are wide open and I’m on my way.  I died with you so now I can rise with you.  Do not be afraid, O women of Jerusalem.  Run as fast as you can and do not be silent but tell your friends, tell everyone, Jesus lives!  Forget the tomb.  He is not there.  Amen.