Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. She wondered who would move the tomb stone. She was sorrowful and hopeless. She searched for a dead body and feared that her journey would come up against a stone. But to her astonishment, the stone had been rolled aside and the tomb was empty.

Easter is a surprise: angels surprised the Roman soldiers; resurrection surprised the leaders of the people and Jesus’ appearance surprised the apostles. As dawn is a surprise to the night, as Spring is a surprise to the Winter, so spurting life is a surprise to death. The women went to anoint a body and lament. But the risen Christ surprised them all and filled them with joy and peace.

Easter is the feast of tombstones taken away; rocks rolled aside. God takes away even the hardest stones against which our hopes and expectations crash: death, sin, fear and sickness.

Seeing the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene ran to the disciples with the complaint, that Jesus’ body was missing. She was confused and she confused them. In confusion Peter and John ran to the tomb. Going into the tomb, Peter saw the burial cloths; but John saw and believed.

Yes, John believed that Jesus rose from the dead. Kerygma is gist of our faith: Jesus died; Jesus rose; Jesus will come again. John believed in Jesus, his words, promises, life and the meaning of salvation.

Millions of people go to the empty tomb in Jerusalem. They enter and peer into the tomb. Some believe; many do not. The same empty tomb presents many perspectives to different individuals. Belief and conviction are matters of personal faith. Roll away the stones that crush hope. Peel away the layers of doubt and selfishness. Search with light and trust with faith.

A brother of one of our parishioners wrote, “Don't worry if the church building is empty on Easter, So, was the tomb.” The empty tomb gave birth to resurrection and life. Our empty church buildings will bring forth grace-filled faithful and new ministries. The disciples missed Jesus and the risen Christ gave them peace. We miss each other, coming to church, social gatherings, doing spiritual ministries and gather together to worship, but God will bring us as one with his love and support.

Happy Easter! May God bless all of you! May God bless our country and the world!