Easter Sunday
Women the first Witnesses of the Resurrection
First Reading: Acts 10, 34a. 37-43
Second Reading: Col 3, 1-4
Gospel: Jn 20, 1-9
Today is Easter. The first witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus were all women. It is very striking to note that the first signs and experience of the resurrection of Jesus were given to women. Irrespective of all the narrative differences of the resurrection episode, all the four evangelists agree on one unanimous fact that it was women disciples of Jesus who witnessed the signs of his resurrection first.
It is a fact that the Lord had chosen the apostles to be with him and raised them to the level of ‘friends.’ But they seemed to have remained ‘rational’ and ‘professional’ in relation to him. His love for them seems to have not been allowed to transform them to be ‘seekers’ of their master. But in sharp contrast, the women disciples seem to have had ‘chosen’ the Lord to be their ‘soul-mate.’ They loved him with their whole heart and soul. His love and goodness, mercy and forgiveness had transformed them to be new creations. They had found their treasure in him. And they were constantly seeking after him day and night. The fear of darkness gave way for the power of love. And they were rewarded with the message: “The Lord is risen!” Your love is eternal. For the one whom you love and seek after is eternal.
The message of resurrection is a message of love and hope. Resurrection becomes a reality for those who love and seek after him. It becomes an experience for those who trust in him and love him with heart and soul. The message of the resurrection comes as an encounter and experience to those who love and seek after him fearlessly and tirelessly. For, he never disappoints those who long for him. The joy and peace of the resurrection rest upon those who seek him.
We are faced with extreme rationalism and anthropocentrism. God is displaced with technology and inventions. We have become too ‘professional’ that resurrection is no more a reality for many; and the reality of the resurrection is no more an experience for the majority. What are we up to? What are we seeking after?
We are living in an era of feminist fundamentalism and extreme women liberation movements. The traditional equations of ‘faith and trust;’ ‘love and mercy;’ ‘care and concern,’ in the women are no more the same. It was these naturally innate qualities of women which moved them to be constant seekers of their master and Lord. And they were blessed to be the first witnesses of his resurrection.
Resurrection is a reality. It is an experience. It becomes a real experience of peace, joy and hope for those who love the Lord and constantly seek after him. Our heart of love and goodness; mercy and forgiveness; prayer and worship; sharing and communion would be signs that we are seekers of the Lord, and that we are sharing in his resurrection. The resurrection experience of the women disciples and their example be a model for us. Happy Easter!
