The empty tomb of Jesus is an evidence of Christ’s resurrection, as what Jesus had predicted (Matthew 20:19). Jesus had victory over death. A truth that tells us that Jesus’ mission on earth is finally accomplished and he has to go back to his father in heaven. The empty tomb of Jesus gave us peace in knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead, that he is the Son of God who redeemed us from our sin, that he is alive!
But, like Mary Magdalene when she saw the empty tomb of Jesus, seeing something important disappear, human as we are, can make us scared. Our human instinct will drive us to search for something to fill that emptiness. Only when we understand what had happened can we be at peace.
In today’s pandemic time, many things have disappeared around us: our loved ones, our job and our income. We can see empty churches. We are worried and sad. We should begin to look for Jesus. Yet, we persevere and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that the Risen Christ has not abandoned us. He is alive and is with the Father in heaven. This Covid-19 Pandemic is a God-given gift of enlightenment for us. The trials and struggles are our “Passion”. When we look up to God we can find hope.
— Nelson Vicera
Empty tomb of Jesus is a strong proof of his resurrection. I believe in what the Bible proclaims which is Jesus was risen on the third day of his death and he appeared to the witnesses chosen by God. He showed us there is life after death.
But it was hard for Mary Magdalene to accept an empty tomb at first. Like her, I missed something really significant for me: my job in Hong Kong, when I returned home in 2017. I felt so sad and empty every day. I missed my church’s Sunday life in Hong Kong. Months passed before I totally moved on and realised that God has his plan for me. My mother who is in her 90’s whom I used to support financially needs something more important than money. She needs my care, love, attention and presence. Now my mother is happy being with me by her side. Her happiness brings me joy too.
— Dory Angeles
The crying of Mary Magdalene over the empty tomb enlightens me. I can imagine her sadness over the empty tomb, her confusion when she heard Jesus calling her name, and her joy when she saw Jesus. Remembering her story, I feel encouraged to stand up from where I fall as every situation can change and hope can be found there. We only need to hold on to our faith and hope in the promises of resurrection.
— Evangeline Tapilang
Empty tomb of Jesus is a concrete evidence that Jesus has risen from the dead. For me, it is a reminder of our hope for eternal life and not to lose faith and never give up. It is an affirmation that there is always light after darkness and that sufferings in this world are only temporary. Like Mary Magdalene, I would be deeply worried if I may lose something significant in my life. Seven years ago, I thought I may lose my health or even my life as I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. The feeling of emptiness occupied me. I learned to accept it and underwent different kinds of medication for almost a year. With God’s grace, and with the love, support and prayers of my family and community, I won the battle. Now I have even stronger faith in Jesus. He is alive and he is with us.
— Cora Vicera
I can understand the feeling of Mary Magdalene who cried over the empty tomb. It was a deep sadness of losing a loved one. This month is my mother’s first death anniversary. We went through anxiety, but, like Mary Magdalene, we received God’s reassurance at the end. The Covid-19 virus was affecting the world when we dealt with her illness, hospitalisation and passing. It was painful to watch her go through her quicklly debilitating condition as even her speech and movement were affected. I felt helpless as I could not even be there for her in Manila due to the travel restrictions. But looking back, we should be grateful that her suffering was not prolonged. I believe that at some point she wanted to be with God already. She lived a full life, loved by family and friends, and was able to fulfill her dream of travelling in different countries. Now she has peacefully joined her Creator.
— Stephanie Rivera
Mary Magdalene, while weeping, failed to see our biggest hope, the resurrected Jesus. The empty tomb reminds me to empty my heart from the burdens of life and fill it with peace and hope.
— Catherine Ambojnon
The empty tomb is the most important part of the Gospel. Jesus died. He was buried and has risen. Because of the empty tomb, I have by faith the hope that some day, I will live forever with Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. There is hope and glorious joy.
— Nelie Delfin
