Mary stood crying outside the tomb. While she was still crying, she bent over and looked in the tomb and saw two angels there dressed in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and the other at the feet. "Woman, why are you crying?" they asked her.

She answered, "They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!"

John 20:11-13

"Do not hold on to me," Jesus told her, "because I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am returning to him who is my Father and their Father, my God and their God."

John 20:17

If someone has died recently, go back to their grave and silently think about them. Think about you. Know that you are mortal as well. Remember that your life is in Christ, and to die is to gain. Know that you will die on this earth, but you will live again – eternally. Has a loved one’s death or the fear of your own death tested your own foundation of faith? Let the words of Jesus to Mary encourage you. Then begin to build your life on the risen Christ.

Life’s best outlook is a prayerful uplook!

Our Daily Bread – January 30, 2003