Mount of Olives

The Open Tomb and the Open Heart:

Finding Intimacy with God in Eastertide

Siblings in Christ,

The Easter season, this glorious Eastertide, washes over us once more for 7 weeks after Jesus’ Resurrection. The echoes of the angels’ pronouncements – "He is risen!" – still resonate within the walls of our hearts. Yet, amidst the joy and celebration, a question may linger: How does this translate into our daily lives? How do we cultivate a deeper intimacy with the God who conquered death itself?

Think back to the empty tomb. Think of the despair the disciples felt on that first Good Friday. Their hope, their very reason for living, lay seemingly lifeless. But then, on that glorious Sunday morning, everything changed. The tomb was open, not just physically, but symbolically. It opened hearts to a new reality, a reality where death does not have the final say.

This open tomb invites us to open our own hearts, to create space for a deeper connection with God. Here, in Eastertide, we are offered a unique opportunity to:

• Reflect on God's Unconditional Love: The resurrection story is a testament to God's unwavering love for us. He sent his only Son, not to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:16). Let this season be a time to truly understand the depth of that love and allow it to transform your own capacity to love.

• Practice Gratitude: Think of the blessings in your life, big and small. The empty tomb reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope remains. Let gratitude be your daily prayer, a constant recognition of God's presence in your life.

• Embrace Vulnerability: The disciples weren't perfect. They doubted, they faltered. Yet, Jesus didn't cast them aside. Intimacy with God requires vulnerability, admitting our shortcomings and trusting in His grace.

• Seek Quiet Moments: Just as the disciples encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), carve out time for quiet reflection. Let the silence be a canvas for prayer, for listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

This Eastertide, let us not just celebrate the historical event of the resurrection, but let it transform our present. Let the open tomb be a metaphor for opening our hearts to God's love, allowing Him to fill the empty spaces within. Through prayer, reflection, and a grateful heart, we can cultivate a beautiful intimacy with the Divine, an intimacy that will sustain us through life's joys and sorrows.

May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you all. Amen.