Violence is a preoccupation of humanity through out the ages. Conflicts arising from seemingly casual misunderstandings to full scale deceptions. The tools of violence and insurrection have become more lethal over time, weighing heavy over the hearts of many. Imagine witnessing Jesus crucifixion, an unjust and violent act, crucified between two criminals, and seeing his pain and suffering. Imagine Mary seeing the empty tomb after the stone was taken away from the sepulchre and suddenly seeing two angels. Imagine Mary turning around and thinking she was speaking to a gardener and then recognizing Jesus. Jesus crucified became divine revelation and salvation, the essential truth. Believe in Jesus and he will swallow up death in victory and wipe away each tear of grief and despair, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Isaiah 25:6-9; John 20:1-18.