I PAUSE AT THE TOMB with the close remaining friends of Jesus. Even the creatures and the air are still. In my life as a Christian believer, there will surely be times when Jesus seems to have left me, as if absent, even buried. But then, these holy women-friends from Galilee help me to understand what I must do.
They observed where the body of Jesus was placed. I don't need to fear that Jesus has gone from me because he doesn't answer, or because I lack consolations, or it's not the way it was when I first encountered his presence in my life. These good women don't say, "Oh, Jesus is buried, what's the use?" or "Jesus' way doesn't work after all!" Instead, they get busy preparing spices for his anointing. They continue to love him.
As for me, when Jesus seems silent or far away I need to keep my gaze fixed on him; I need to keep him at the center of my prayer and my love. Saint Teresa of Avila says, "The fruit of prayer is good works, good works, good works." I want to be ready and have all of this to show when Jesus returns. And return he will: Easter is on the horizon!
Silence
Our Father Who art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
