Surrexit | Risen

He isn’t here, but is risen - Luke 24:6

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Symbols of Faith and Resurrection

 

In the gospel of Luke 24:1-12, we encounter a series of powerful symbols that speak to us of Jesus' resurrection and the emotional reactions of the characters involved. These symbols offer us profound lessons to enrich and strengthen our faith life.

 

The gospel begins with the setting "at daybreak" or "at dawn," a moment symbolizing a new beginning and the hope that arises from darkness. This symbol reminds us that, even in the darkest moments, Christ's light is about to shine, offering us a new start.

 

The women bring spices for the dead body. They bring these spices to anoint Jesus' body, an act of love and respect for the deceased. This gesture represents continuous devotion, even in death, and teaches us that our faith and love for Jesus must persist despite circumstances.

 

The stone removed from the tomb is a symbol that no barrier is too great for God to overcome. It represents victory over death and sin, and encourages us to believe that God can remove obstacles in our lives.

 

The angels in dazzling garments symbolize divine glory and celestial presence. This detail reminds us that we are called to seek God's presence and to set our sights on heavenly realities.

 

The heart of the narrative is the empty tomb, a silent but eloquent testimony of the resurrection. It invites us to believe in the seemingly impossible and to find hope in the promise of eternal life.

 

The burial clothes left behind symbolize that death has been conquered. Jesus has left behind death, inviting us to live a new life in Him.

 

The women initially experience fear and confusion, but these emotions transform into joy and wonder upon realizing the resurrection. Their experience reflects our own faith journey: we often start with doubts and fears, but are called to transform them into joy and certainty in the resurrection.

 

This passage teaches us about hope arising from despair, the importance of continuous devotion, God's victory over death, and the transformation of our fear into joy. It reminds us that, in our own faith life, we may face challenges and doubts, but the promise of Christ's resurrection offers us a constant source of hope and renewal.

 

May this reflection inspire us to live with renewed faith, knowing that despite obstacles and challenges, Christ's light always shines at the end of the tunnel, offering us a new beginning and the promise of eternal life. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a living reality that fills us with hope and compels us to share this good news with the world.

 

May the story of the empty tomb and the symbols of resurrection strengthen us in our faith, reminding us that, despite life's difficulties and challenges, we are called to live with the joy and hope that come from the risen Christ. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 24:1-12 by Marlon Vargas Bobier SVD

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Surrexit | Raised

"Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here…" - Mark 16:6.

  

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Raising of the son of the widow in Nain, Jairus' daughter and Lazarus; these are the three of many miracles in the canonical Gospels when Jesus raised the dead. But they were raised to be dead again like how every mortal body would perish. However what we learn now is something so awesome. Jesus has been resurrected to a life that is never going to die. 

The empty tomb was witnessed by the most devoted and fearless apostles, the women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. The embalming they had to do was to diminish the unpleasant smell of a decomposed body especially this body in particular which was fully torn open, blood literally dripping from every part of the body.

The women were not bothered or afraid of who is going to say or do anything to them for this act. All they were wondering was who will roll out the huge block of rock that was nearly impossible to roll for these women.

The rolled stone is a joyous and most cherished life of us Christians. And if there is a huge stone in our life, like this stone that was rolled over, so will be ours also be rolled over. We only need to have faith like these three women who knew what they had to do at that moment without fear, because they loved Jesus so much.

The angel in the human form was waiting for them. What is so striking is what the angel said. He was crucified (something that is in the past tense) and then the angel continues by saying He is not here. But go tell his disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee (from a past tense the angel speaks in the present tense).

Thus, we Christians should still proclaim that He is risen. He ascended into heaven, reigning over His kingdom. Thy will be done on earth as well as in heaven.

Reflection on Mark 16:1-11 by Shalley Augustine