In Matthew’s resurrection account, the angel visits the women who have come to faithfully tend Jesus’ body. Death has not diminished their love for him. They have no concern for guards or decrees of religious authorities. So it is the two Marys who are met by the angel, see the empty tomb, and are sent to tell the others that Christ is risen and will meet them in Galilee.

All of the accounts of Jesus after his resurrection are filled with merciful love and courage for his followers to fearlessly practice the love he demonstrated in his life and death. He invites them to receive the Spirit, to forgive, to care for one another, and to spread the good news of God’s mercy. The common message of Jesus’ post resurrection conversations is love.

The paschal candle lit during the Easter season reminds us that our risen Lord, Christ, is here among us, and in us. The paschal candle reminds us to expect to be surprised by unexpected visits from our Lord. This candle shines with the light of Christ as a sign of the mystical presence of our Lord, a gift for those who prayerfully move through this season.

Our response to this mystery is to confess Jesus’ resurrection by the lives we live. Jesus lives on in our faithful, humble living with every prayer and act of love. It is this reality that renders us the most relevant proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection. We are the presence of the risen Christ today.

We meet our risen Lord every time we faithfully practice mercy … following the Spirit … to be and do … for the good of others. Christ’s resurrection is lived out in our bodies as we practice the gifts we are given.

Here is the miracle of the resurrection: You and me. May you know and feel the power of Christ’s risen presence in you, for others, in all your faithful relationships.

Alleluia, the Lord is Risen! Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia.