Alleluia!  He is risen!  He is truly risen!  We’ve moved through the six weeks of Lent and the Holy Triduum of Christ’s passion and death into the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Details of that amazing discovery are recounted in our Easter Gospels.  On this wonderful day how strong is your Alleluia?  If it isn’t a full-throated crooning, do not despair.  You are in the good company of those who first peered into the empty tomb.
                 
As St. Mark portrays it, when Mary Magdalene and the other women arrived at the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, they saw the stone rolled away, and were amazed to see a young man in a white robe sitting off to the side.  He told them that Jesus was not there; that He had been raised from the dead, and to go and tell the others.  The man told them not to be amazed—but they were!
                 
In St. John’s portrayal, Mary Magdala is the first to encounter the empty tomb.  At this point there was no young man in a white garment to explain things, so Mary ran to tell Simon Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved that the Lord was taken from the tomb and hidden somewhere.   In this account the disciple whom Jesus loved ran with Peter to see for themselves.  The significance in the placement and condition of the burial and head cloths was enough for the younger disciple to believe something; believe without understanding. 
                 
Each of the Gospel narratives was shaped by the continuing experience and reflection of the communities to whom it was addressed over a period of years.  In the coming weeks we will hear much more about the revelation of the truth of the Resurrection to the disciples and believers of Jesus Christ.  Like those who arrived at the empty tomb it can take a while, it always takes God’s grace, to recognize the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and ongoing active presence in our lives.  The 50 days we celebrate Easter are intended to help all of us increase the strength of our Alleluia.
                   
Two things may be helpful if that is what you desire for yourself and your family.  First, notice that with one exception, the glorified Jesus always appears to two or more persons.  Our faith is brought into existence in sharing and relationship.  And second, take the advice of the young man in the white robe who appeared to Mary Magdalene and the others; look for Jesus among the living, not in tombs!  Find the risen Lord wherever His love, forgiveness, salvation, and new life appear or are offered right before your eyes—and go and tell others.  Notice and remember the things that amaze you, things that allow you to believe without fully understanding.    May we all during this Easter Season, and continuing throughout our life, be joyfully amazed and sing loudly, Alleluia!  He Is Risen!