# He Is Risen – Reflections on Luke 24:5‑6
*2016-03-27*

> Bill Young reflects on the Easter resurrection narrative from Luke, exploring the awe of the first witnesses and how it fits into the 40‑day devotional leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday.

## Opening the Easter Celebration

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Easter Sunday, and we continue our “40 Days to Mercy” devotional. This little prayer book doesn’t end with the Resurrection; it carries us through to Divine Mercy Sunday, giving us an extra week of prayers and reflections from Father Benedict.

## The Gospel Text: Luke 24:5‑6

Our focus today is the verse: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen.” We are so familiar with the Resurrection accounts that it can be hard to capture the astonishment of the first witnesses, as Father Benedict reminds us.

## A Mystery Beyond Time

Father Benedict speaks of a mystery that transcends time: for the first time since creation, a human being has entered into a life that will never end, never know death again. Eternity and time meet in the risen Christ, who will never cease to live or breathe.

## The Women at the Tomb

Consider the women at the tomb in Luke’s account. They were terrified, bowing their faces to the ground, when two men in dazzling garments appeared and said, “He is not here; He has risen.” Imagine being there—what would your reaction be to those radiant figures and the news they bring?

## A Prayer of Resurrection

I pray: “Lord Jesus, you are the Resurrection and the Life. Death could not hold you bound. You went forth from the tomb in victory. Alleluia! Amen.”

*The empty tomb reminds us that Christ’s victory over death is a living reality that transforms every moment of our lives.*