The attraction of the Crucified Lord

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Holy Saturday*

*Gospel : Mark 16:1-7*

*Second Reading : Romans 6:3-11*

*The attraction of the Crucified Lord*

*1) The Crucified Lord in the Tomb*

After the crucifixion of Jesus, His body was laid in a tomb

Since it was getting dark, they quickly laid his body in a tomb and covered the tomb with a Stone and went back to their houses 

In fact Jesus who was taking rest in the tomb was not silent. He speaks more powerfully than earlier even from the Tomb 

*2) The Preparations by the Women*

The women who really loved Jesus were present at Calvary during his death 

They were present at the burial of Jesus 

After burial they didn't keep quiet, thinking that everything was over with the death of Jesus 

They were busy preparing the spices, to anoint the body of Jesus 

So they were involved in lots of work for Jesus. 

*3) The Desire to meet the Lord*

These women had great desire to meet Jesus even though he was in the tomb

Early Sunday morning they wanted to visit the tomb and wanted to open it, in order to anoint the body of Jesus 

Friday Jesus had died. Sunday morning the women were ready to open the tomb

This really shows that there was a burning desire to meet the Lord at any cost 

They were not afraid of the darkness, or the guards, or the place of dead people 

They had only one thing in mind to see the crucified Lord 

*4) Preparations were rewarded with a great Surprise*

The preparations of the women, their desire to meet the Lord, and their journey towards the tomb, early morning was met with a great surprise and reward 

It was the Risen Lord, whom they met. It was a great surprise for them 

*5) What are my preparations to meet the Lord?*

These women really show us the zeal which we need to prepare ourselves to meet the Lord 

They were eagerly waiting for the Lord to meet 

They had only one thing in mind to meet the Lord 

Every action of thiers was a kind of preparations to meet the Lord 

They had no other programme than meeting the Lord 

So how do I prepare to meet the Risen Lord? 

Is it a casual and everyday event which comes and goes? 

Depends on my preparations and my eagerness will help me to meet the risen Lord and to experience His unconditional love and eternal Happiness

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*