In the gospel accounts, we read Mary Magdalene grieving at Jesus’ tomb in the early hours of the Resurrection morning. Her tears were not a lament for Jesus’ death; she had already come to terms with that reality. Instead, Mary wept because she found the tomb empty—Jesus’ body was no longer there. What could this mean? Why did Mary not immediately consider the possibility of Jesus’ resurrection? Mary’s immediate assumption was that someone had taken the body. Our faith would have been empty if Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity were not present with us.
Faith in the Resurrection
Remember when Jesus visited Bethany, where Lazarus, Martha, and Mary (Not of Magdala) resided? Jesus assured Martha, “Your brother will live again” (John 11:23). Martha responded, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (John 11:24). Nobody anticipated Jesus resurrecting Lazarus, especially after four days of death. The belief in the resurrection from the dead can be challenging. In our spiritual journey, it is easier to believe based on our experiences. We believe in healing, liberation, and divine providence because we have seen or heard of such miracles. However, belief in resurrection? That is a more challenging concept to grasp. How do we comprehend it? What is the foundation of faith in the resurrection? Mary Magdalene did not have answers to these questions. All she knew was to love Jesus, even in death.
The Evidence of Faith
Do we need to comprehend every detail of our faith objects to believe in them? Questions about the validity of Christ’s resurrection arise because no one witnessed Jesus rising from the grave. Jesus rose from the dead, and He is alive. The evidence of that is in the positive transformation of believers’ lives. It is crucial to understand that God reveals only what we can handle. God discloses only that which is necessary for our salvation to us. Therefore, faith itself is the evidence of faith.
The Resurrection in Our Lives
Easter allows us to immerse ourselves in God’s profound love and make loving God a vibrant experience. Jesus is alive. The resurrection happened, and it changed our identity forever. In the words of St John Paul II, “We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” Let us make our love for God and one another as intense as that of Christ our Lord, who first loved us. Mary Magdalene’s tears at Jesus’ tomb stemmed from her immense love for Him. Her love kept Jesus alive in her life. Likewise, our love for God sustains our faith in Him. And where there is faith, everything—including resurrection—is possible.
Have a blessed Easter, everyone!
