The center of Easter is the resurrection and not the empty tomb. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ.
At times, especially in previous ages, we focused too much on the death of Christ. Today we are told to focus both on his death and subsequent triumphant resurrection.
Our faith is based on the resurrection of Christ: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is empty and our belief comes to nothing, (1 Cor 15: 14) In the first reading, at the preaching of St. Peter about the risen Christ on the first Pentecost, three thousand “accepted his word and were baptized.”
To support the faith of his apostles and close friends, Jesus made appearances after his resurrection.
In today’s reading he appeared to Mary of Magdala.. He then appeared to various women and to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. He appeared a few times to the apostles at the upper room behind closed doors and at the Sea of Galilee. He said farewell to them with his final instructions at his ascension into heaven.
Jesus is risen! Alleluia!
