“When we reread the New Testament narratives about the first Easter, we notice a
common theme. Everyone who comes in contact with the risen Lord comes away from
that encounter with the urgent desire to run and tell others what they have witnessed.

St. Mary Magdalene, upon encountering the risen Lord outside the empty tomb, ran to
tell the Apostles, “I have seen the Lord!”  The words spoken to Mary Magdalene and the
women at that empty tomb are now spoken to us: “Go quickly and tell … that he has risen from the dead.”

We are called to testify to the power of the resurrection in our lives. The resurrection is
always the essential “content” of Christian preaching. “If Christ has not been raised then
our preaching is in vain,” St. Paul said.

My brothers and sisters, the beautiful work of proclaiming Jesus Christ and the
new life of the resurrection now lies before us. We are called to be witnesses of his resurrection to a new generation.

The people of our day long to know what we know–the love of God, the love that leads
to life and life abundant, the love that is stronger than death. They long to meet the One
who can give them the living water they thirst for. But how can they meet him, how can
they find him, unless we show them the way? ”