The Stone is Rolled Away

Easter morning is a whirlwind of movement, questions, and emotion. Mary runs to the tomb in grief, Peter and John run after her, and yet in all this frantic activity, one truth remains steadfast: the stone was rolled away. In our gospel reading for Easter Day we see love in action; love that bears the burden of grief, love that shares the news, love that runs even when unsure. John bends to look, Peter searches, and Mary waits weeping outside, each moment teaching us something about the shape of love.

Then, in her waiting, love meets Mary where she is. A single word, “Mary” changes everything. The risen Jesus calls her by name, and in that instant, love knows, love guides, love transforms. All the running, the weeping, the questions are held in the light of this one reality: God’s love is stronger than death, and the stone has been rolled away.

This story is our story. Sometimes we are running around seeking answers. Sometimes we are waiting, unsure or grieving. Sometimes we are bold in our belief, ready to share the good news. Wherever we are, the foundation is the same—the stone is rolled away, and God’s love has triumphed.

When we feel overwhelmed or uncertain, we can return to that image: an empty tomb, a rolled-away stone, and love that calls us by name.

Risen Lord,

help me to remember that the stone is rolled away,

and let your love shape my life today. Amen.