Monday in the Octave of Easter - Consoled to Witness

“… he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day.” –Acts 2:29

I was 16 years old when my grandmother passed away. It has been a good 13 years since that eventful day. I loved my grandma very dearly. Everyone in the family did, as she had a way to keep us all together, like glue holding several pieces in place.

On the day that grandma died, I remember heading to the funeral home immediately after school, feeling completely devastated after hearing the news from my sister. The place had an eerie silence to it. Melancholia enveloped the room where my grandma’s remains laid; her body at that time was a few hours from being embalmed. I remember feeling the lowest I've ever felt. While everyone was keeping watch outside the funeral home, I came in, approached my grandma’s remains, took the white cloth off of her to reveal her face, and held her hand. Breaking into sobs, I felt her hand against mine, forcing her clenched fists to open up so I could somehow intertwine our fingers. But her hands were so cold, so stiff, so lifeless… completely devoid of the warmth I had been so fond of all my life. I was pouring all my sadness at my loss when my sister came to comfort me, along with the rest of the family.

Recalling my experience of loss, I can only imagine what it was like for Jesus’ disciples who witnessed his death, only to find three days later, that truly he has risen from the dead. What a joyful moment that must’ve been! To see someone you love so dearly come back to life!

I still miss my grandma’s presence to this very day. Very often when I am faced with difficult decisions, I would wish I could hear her voice and her sound pieces of advice. She has not risen from the dead of course, but I do believe that through Christ Jesus, one day we all shall rise with Him, who has promised us life eternal.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your passion and cross, through which You have conquered death for us, once and for all.

Reflected by Chariz Penalber