Homilies

March 23, 2008
Easter Vigil
Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10
Abbot John Denburger, OCSO

It was early Sunday; darkness was fading and light was beginning to fill the sky. Mary Magdalen and the other Mary came to see the tomb, the Holy Women as they are known; they were courageous women, their faith was their strength. The men, the disciples were locked in the upper room as if a barred door could keep then safe from sharing Jesus’ fate. In the tradition of the Eastern Churches, these women have, what I feel, a more descriptive, a more beautiful title. They are “The Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women; they came to see but it was much more than just curiosity. Rather, with a steadfast love, they came to anoint the Master in death.

Their Master was like no one else. In death His greatness had to be recognized. They would anoint Him. He had spoken with authority and their hearts were touched. His hands, His word alone brought healing to those who had lost hope like the man blind from birth, or the sick man at the pool of Bethesda, enduring 38 years of suffering. His merciful forgiveness, compassion brought peace, new life to a Zacchaeus, to the Magdalen herself. In the name of these people, Mary Magdalen and the other Mary had to come. Love does such things!

They had witnessed His death, so wretched, so inhuman and His burial had been too quick. There had been no time to minister to Him with grieving love. Jesus had cried out, “It is finished!” - but it was not finished for them. They waited throughout the long Sabbath, and as soon as the new day was dawning, they came.

As the light was spreading in the east, another light came. An angel descended, approached, rolled back the stone and with the same swiftness, he proclaimed , “Do not be afraid! He is not here. He has been raised. Come and see. Then go quickly and tell His disciples!’ It was too much - too swift - too overwhelming. They ran - fearful yet overjoyed - they had a wonderful mission to some very fearful men locked in a room.

“And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.” And they approached Him without question; they embraced His feet without hesitation; they did Him homage with graced spontaneity, with a familiarity born of friendship and devotion.

In this Gospel account, there are three marvelous verbs - “Resurrection verbs” - verbs of belief and wonder, verbs that also mark us. Here, in these early hours we know what we are to do:

we approach Him in mystery because we see Him in faith
we embrace Him in word and in the Holy Eucharist
we do Him homage in song, in prayer, in this first Mass of Easter
because we are People of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is risen - not imprisoned in the sleep of death
He is risen - not entombed behind a rock
He is risen - He is here!

Today, everyday, the Risen Lord is here - and everyday we approach Him who approaches us first. We embrace Him whose love always embraces us first. We do Him homage because His is our Resurrection and our Life.

This is our life - a life of Resurrection - a life of growing, encompassing, healing freedom and peace in Christ. Melito of Sardis put these words on the Lord’s lips:

“I am your forgiveness.
I am the Passover that brings salvation.
I am the lamb who was immolated for you.
I am your ransom, your life, your resurrection, your light.
I am your salvation and your king.”
(From an Easter homily by Melito of Sardis, bishop)

In our Holy Communion tonight and in all the Holy Communions of our life, may the Risen Lord speak this truth into our hearts.