Good for us

Readings: At the Easter Vigil: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11; Luke 24:1-12 (41)

But Peter got up and ran to the tomb . . . then he went home amazed at what had happened.

When someone dies, particularly someone beloved, it’s often difficult to find words of comfort. Invariably, someone will say what a blessing the deceased was, a godsend to all who knew him or her. It’s true—most people’s lives are a blessing to us. Despite all its fierce and feeble aspects, life is good. Just ask God: God looked at creation—even the “great sea monsters” and “creeping things”—and “saw how good it was.” Today is Holy Saturday, a time of loss and sorrow, yet it is also a time of great appreciation for the good that remains, that cannot be vanquished, that will live forever.