St. Matthew's account of the resurrection brings us these emphases in his account..
"And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men."
Matthew 28:2-4
Can you capture the drama being played out here? It is God in action by sending a heavenly messenger to make the announcement which Matthew now gives to the women who came..
"Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6
Notice those words "as he said." If only the women had remembered what Jesus said about rising on the third day, there would have been no consternation, no confusion, no doubt. Don't we all have times when we have not remembered the promises of Jesus? As a result, we have become lost and engrossed in our own anxiety and loss of hope.
An Easter faith can breathe new life into us. When all seems to be lost, Jesus can help us begin a new chapter in our lives.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Where might you feel stuck in your life where you need to examine your faith for something new to come?
Do you feel that Jesus is alive for you each day?