It was strange that after the tempestuous wonders of the night the morning dawned so calmly.  Mary Magdalen and the other Mary went to the tomb, wondering who would roll the stone away.  But then a violent earthquake shook the earth and the designated angel appeared shining bright like lightning, rolled the stone away and sat on it.

Of course the guards were petrified but the angel reassured the women, “Do not be afraid. He is not here, he has been raised just as he had said. Go and tell the others.”   Then imagine the excitement and wonder when Jesus himself appeared and all the angels worshipped him. 

The angel throng, having witnessed the unfolding events of the past week filled the heavens with their jubilation.  

“Our God reigns and Satan has been overcome.”      Read, reflect, share, pray.   Read the accounts in Matthew or all the gospels.

Concluding Prayer.

Tuesday 22 March. At this time of publishing these reflections the world is at war.  In Ukraine in particular, an evil power has been unleashed, Satan is at work once more, committing evil acts, wanton destruction and violent death.  Other wars rage around the world over land and power, for freedom and in defence of just rights.  We pray that in time to come the threat of war and mass destruction will no longer control us and that true peace will be experienced through dialogue and acceptance.  

In a message to a congress of educators Pope Francis said,  “Do I pray? Do I fast? Do I do penance? Or do I live carefree, as we normally live through distant wars?   A war is always – always! – the defeat of humanity, always. We, the educated, who work in education, are defeated by this war, because on another side we are responsible. There is no such thing as a just war: they do not exist!”   

On 20 March 2022 Pope Francis prayed, “Forgive us for the war, Lord.  Lord Jesus, son of God, have mercy on us sinners. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, we implore you to stop the hand of Cain, enlighten our conscience, let not our will be done, do not abandon us to our own doing. Stop us, Lord, stop us, and when you have stopped the hand of Cain, take care of him also. He is our brother.  O Lord, stop the violence. Stop us, Lord. Amen