Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Lent Devotion: Easter Vigil Saturday, April 3, 1999 Matthew 28:2-3 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. I wonder what Jesus was doing in his "life after life" experience. There are little hints here and there in the Bible, that he went into the pits of hell and proclaimed God's victory over Satan, that he brought new life to dead men and women from the beginning of time . . . his role in the spiritual world was more clear cut and certainly more accepted than his role on earth. While he was on earth, I imagine that angels accompanied Jesus everywhere, but they were invisible. When we could see them, when we have been blinded by their brilliance, Jesus himself seems different. We are afraid of him. He's powerful, and maybe dangerous. The angels certainly are. They are protecting the man who calls us his brothers, but their presence sets him apart from us. Soon two of the Marys come to the tomb, and they are afraid. Jesus loves them, but they are afraid of him. It is only when he calls them by name, and when they can touch him, that they are no longer afraid. Once again, they are with their brother. Jesus may be able to move easily from spirit to flesh, but they cannot. And we cannot. We are easily overwhelmed by our slight glimpses of the spirit. Jesus comes to us and we are afraid. Thank you, Jesus, for calling me by name and touching me, and letting me touch you, and casting out my fear. "; Add      Edit    Delete