Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: came to the tomb, early in the morning, stone removed from the tomb, taken the Lord from the tomb, came to the tomb, arrived at the tomb, went into the tomb, arrived at the tomb, had to rise from the dead

To the point: Mary arose “early in the morning” to go to Jesus’ tomb. This image of a new day speaks to us of a new beginning, new opportunities, new encounters. Early morning speaks to us of the freshness of new life. By contrast, this gospel uses the word “tomb” seven times, speaking to us about the seeming finality of Jesus’ death. By even greater contrast, the gospel ends with the Scripture certitude that Jesus “had to rise from the dead” (emphasis added). Death is overcome. Death has no victory. God is the Lord of life. Easter celebrates a new beginning, our certitude of new life. May we choose that Life.
 

**From Saint Louis University