Often some of the seven Old Testament readings for the Easter Vigil are omitted. One, however, is never left out - the reading from Exodus. The liberation of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt foreshadowed our liberation from the bondage of sin and death through the death and resurrection of Christ. The passion, death, and resurrection is our exodus. The other readings speak of God's care for his people, and his continuing care for us, even if we need correction now and then. God has always been with us. What holds us in bondage? Have we allowed Christ to lead us to freedom?

The empty tomb alone means little - many saw it and yet did not believe. The church began with those followers who personally encountered the Risen Christ, as did the women in Matthew's resurrection account. It was joyful news, but there was work to be done - the news had to be carried to others. This has always been the work of our faith and always will be. The resurrection must be more than a belief or doctrine. It must be a personal experience, for as Christ rose, so will we, and it begins now. The best proof of the resurrection is in transformed human lives.