It is Finished, Jesus of Nazareth is dead and we have killed him; his lifeless body hangs on the cross. Sworn enemies, the Romans and the Jewish authority conspire to condemn and eradicate him. A Roman soldier has pierced his heart to finish the job. Before sundown in accordance with Jewish tradition his body is entombed. This is the reality the disciples of Jesus faced that faithful Friday.

His disciples plunge into a sabbath blackened and bloodied by the crucifixion, all their beliefs, faith and hope, shattered. Defeated and fearing for their own lives they not only withdraw from society, but actively deny any knowledge of knowing him. Imagine for a moment you were one of Jesus followers, where would your thoughts be that Friday evening or Saturday? 

The morning following the sabbath, Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb, the resurrected Jesus reveals himself to her and from that moment on our world is changed forever. This Easter season imagine yourself once again as a follower hearing the stories of a resurrected Jesus appearing to others:

• Do you believe them?
• Do you still harbor doubts about the resurrection?
• Can you recall a moment when Jesus revealed himself to you?
• How has the resurrection changed your life? 

De Colores 

Frank Viscomi