Easter Monday April 21, 2025

Matthew 28:8-15

Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples.

We woke up today with terrible news of the death of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome. What a breath of fresh air he was for the church. I dare say, the 88 year pontiff has changed the direction of the church. What we remember of him are the words “who am I to judge?”

Who was Pope Francis really? He was a friend of Christ, a good friend. Today’s gospel passage we meet the very first true friends of our Lord, the women. These ladies dared to go to the tomb. Maybe the culture of the day allowed them to go to the tomb while the men were in hiding. But I think it is their true friendship with the crucified and they wanted to honor his body. So they dared to go out and found the tomb empty.

Friends on this solemn day may we too be true friends of the messiah who will brave all fears and go search for him.