Oh!  I’m so glad you’ve come!  You won’t believe what’s happened!  I can hardly believe it, myself.

Mary and I got up early this morning to come to the tomb.  We haven’t slept well since Friday.  Like everyone else, we’ve been so distraught, so lost.  So we decided to bring spices and anoint Jesus’ body.  We needed something to keep busy, plus, we just wanted to be near him one last time.

But as we approached the tomb the ground started shaking and there was this terrible sound of thunder.  All of a sudden that huge stone they had placed in front of the tomb rolled to the side.  You know Pilate ordered the stone to be sealed because the Pharisees were so concerned that someone would steal the body.  But I’m telling you, the stone just rolled to the side!  We were terrified.

Then this man appeared out of nowhere.  His clothes were so white they were glowing.  It was hard to look directly at him.  He began speaking to us as if he knew who we were!  He knew why we were here and that we were looking for Jesus.  But then he said something really amazing: he told us that Jesus has been raised from the dead!

I know!  Can you believe that?  We just stood there for the longest time trying to comprehend what was going on.  But the man was so comforting–he kept telling us not to be afraid–that we started to calm down.  He showed us the inside of the tomb and sure enough, Jesus’ body wasn’t there.  That’s when we started to get really excited and believe it was true.  He is risen!  He is risen!

That’s why we sent word for you come.  We wanted you to see for yourself.  This is such great news!  Jesus Christ has been resurrected from the dead!  It’s exactly as he promised it would happen.

See for yourself!  Then go and help us spread the good news!

Cross: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Resurrection Bead: Christ is risen!  Hallelujah!

Invitatory Bead: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”  This is my message for you.’  So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:5-8 NIV)

1st Cruciform Bead: Consider the women (Mary Magdalene and the other Mary).

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to empathize with them.  Feel their fear, surprise, confusion, and hope as they try to comprehend what has happened on this morning at the tomb.

2nd Cruciform Bead: Consider the place where he lay.

2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to explore the tomb.  What do you see?  What do you smell?  What do you hear?  How do you feel?

3rd Cruciform Bead: Consider the possibility that Christ is risen.

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to consider how it feels to have watched Christ crucified; to have mourned his death; and now to hear that Christ is alive again.  Marvel at the mystery.

4th Cruciform Bead: Go quickly to tell the others.

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to feel the joy that cannot be contained and must be shared.  See yourself running to share the news of Christ’s resurrection with the disciples and others.  Consider what you will say and how you will explain what has just happened.  Hear yourself sharing the good news of Christ’s resurrection!

Invitatory Bead: recite The Lord’s Prayer

Resurrection Bead: Christ is risen, indeed.   Hallelujah!

Cross: In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.