Easter Monday | Monday 10 April 2023

Today is Easter Monday, the 10th of April.

As I enter into prayer today on this Easter Monday, I slow down. I slow right down and notice where I am, I notice what is around me, and I notice any people around me; these pieces of creation, the people here, what everything looks like, what they are doing, the expressions on their faces. In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence, the Risen Christ, who triumphs over sin and death, sanctifies this ordinary place, and these ordinary people, and makes them holy.

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Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 28:8-15

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed.


In our scripture today, we meet Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, running from the empty tomb with great fear and joy.


Can you imagine how it might have felt for them to feel both fear and joy?

Now, imagine that you are with the women, and you are also running as fast as you can, perhaps with boundless energy; your one desire being to share the astonishing news that Jesus has risen from the dead…

Jesus himself, in the flesh, arrives to greet you.

In your imagination, take hold of the feet of Jesus and worship him.
As you listen to the reading again, notice the contrast between the first and second halves of the reading.

As you come to the end of your prayer, spend some time with the following words:

“He is not here, for he is risen.” Talk to the Lord about what these words mean to you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.