Scripture:
Acts 2:14, 22-33
Matthew 28:8-15
Reflection:
Easter Monday (or Bright Monday, as our Orthodox sisters and brothers call it), continues the mystery of Jesus Risen, as we will celebrate this gift during the next 50 days.
Some wise one once said: "Life is what happens to us when we’re planning something else." Thank God for the interruptions of life! Sometimes we’re out of sorts if the doorbell rings during our favorite TV show, or if someone breaks our routine at work. Yet how often interruptions prove not only necessary, but life-giving. The story goes that as Michelangelo was working to raise the great obelisk that still stands in the center of St. Peter’s square, he had given strict orders that absolute silence was to be kept during the raising. The penalty was severe, at least jail time, I believe. As the great piece was being raised, a worker noticed that one of the huge ropes, from all the strain, had begun to smoke. He yelled: "FIRE", another worker grabbed a bucket of water nearby, the fire was put out and the obelisk raised. A timely interruption, to say the least.
Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, going away quickly from the empty tomb, and intent on sharing the news with Jesus’ disciples, were Surprised by him on the way. He will continue to surprise, break in on and interrupt hundreds of disciples after his resurrection. God’s great project, raising Jesus from the dead is over! The silence of Good Friday and Holy Saturday has given way to shouts and songs of Alleluia!
By the way, the worker who interrupted Michelangelo’s work was given a tremendous bonus, where he did not have to work another day in his life. Jesus, whose Resurrection not only interrupts, but changes forever life as it was, gives us the greatest gift, a share in his resurrected life forever.