At the Empty Tomb

I'm not really sure what to say in this post, but I figure I should tell you all a little bit about what was by far the most beautiful thing that's happened here!

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons

Thursday morning, very early, Patty and I went back to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and we got to go to Mass. The altar was literally right inside the tomb, and the 30 or so people who were there sat right outside. 

"After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.  He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Mt 28:1-6

Mass was completely beautiful. There was this booming organ, and about 10 Franciscans belting out the chant. The air was just fresh, and it was so joyful! 

I just kept thinking about Mary Magdalene and Peter and the rest seeing the risen Christ and freaking out, appropriately. But there I was, in the same place, seeing the same thing, and appropriately, freaking out! 

I'm just so thankful that I was able to see and participate in something so beautiful. What else do you say?