The first words of the angel to the women outside the empty tomb of Jesus on Easter were, “He is not here!” Why make a point to say that? It is a declaration to the women and to us that Jesus is not in a place of death any longer. You cannot find him in any area dedicated to grief and sadness now. Why? Because he is risen, just as he said. What does that mean for us? We don’t need to dwell in sadness and grief anymore. We are released from the grip of death and are no more entombed by any sin. We are free to live a new life in him out there in the world and in the world to come. Alleluia! Amen.
