Easter 2014

Why Are You Weeping?

The two Angels guarding to the empty tomb said to St Mary Magdalene: "Woman, why are you weeping?"  

The same question is repeated by the risen Lord: "Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you looking for?" 

St Mary Magdalene was the first to tomb of Christ, the first to discover that it was empty.  She wanted to see Jesus.  

Mary said: "they have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him."  But when she saw the Christ, she did not know that it was him who had risen.  She had not yet been accustomed to the glorified body of Christ.  It was truly him the Savior in his glorified body.  He has risen.  It was her moment of encounter with the risen Lord.  

St Gregory Palamas, monk, Bishop and Theologian in the 14th century shared a wonderful insight about the resurrection passage and Mary's encounter with the risen Lord.  He expressed in this manner:

"The Church in which we stand is the symbol of the cave.  Indeed more than a symbol.  It is as it were, another Sepulchre.  It is there we find the place where the Lord's body has been laid, the whole table.  So whoever runs with all their heart towards this divine tomb, God's true dwelling... will there learn the words of the inspired writings that will instruct him, like the angels, about the divinity and humanity of the Word of God incarnate.  And thus, he will see The Lord himself, without any possibility of error.  For whoever looks with faith on the mystic table and the bread of life laid on it will see in its reality the Word of God who was made flesh for us and made his dwelling amongst us (jn 1,14).  And if he proves himself worthy of receiving it, he will not only see but will share in its being; he will take it into himself that he may remain there."

The Church is another sepulchre, and her members repeat the words of The Lord and the Angels who guarded the sepulchre: "Why are you weeping?"  

Because the Church is the reservoir of hope.  The Church, is the Sepulchre that gives witness to the Risen Lord.  The Church gives is the beacon of hope for all who grieve and need consolation.  Being the Mystical Body, she holds the Sacred Mysteries for those who grieve and in need consolation.  She is the bearer of mystery for all who seek to encounter the Risen Christ.  Happy Easter, and many blessings!