All four Gospels recount the miraculous and merciful Resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel of John records the events of that morning as follows:

“Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.’

“Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first, and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.

“Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.

“Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.

“They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’

“She said to them, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’

“Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?’

“Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’

“She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rab-boni!’ (which means Teacher)

“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’

“Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord;’ and she told them what He had said to her.'” John 20: 1-18

Can you imagine the scene? Can you imagine the joy and wonder Mary Magdalene feels when she hears the voice of her friend and recognizes the Risen Christ?!

Following His Resurrection, Jesus walked the earth for 40 days and appeared to more than 500 men and women, before He returned to the Father. (1 Corinthians 15: 6) Jesus knew how hard it would be for His disciples – and for all of us – to understand all that had happened throughout His life, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. Always the patient teacher, Jesus took extra care to help His early disciples and followers to understand.

Still today, Jesus patiently reveals different pieces of the mystery of His life, death, and resurrection to each of us, as we are ready and willing to make time for Him. He wants to help us to understand the depth of God’s Love.

Jesus is Risen and with us still today!

Listen for the sound of His Voice on your hearts, as He offers all of us a share in His eternal life and love.

He loves you deeply.

Happy Easter, dear readers!