While it was still dark, Mary of Magdala arrived at Jesus’ tomb to find it was empty. What stones in our own lives can we move so that we can consider and receive the wonderful graces of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead?

There are many awesome graces available to us because of Easter. We should endeavor to make ourselves eagerly open to the fullness of redemption Jesus offers. What does Easter bring? Let us open our eyes!

Easter Energy. No longer is the world burdened with sin in control. We have new life and vigor and hope. Death is not the final word. We can and must seize the energy!

Easter Enlightenment. We know that all Jesus said is true! We can use the season’s newness of life to reassess our priorities in the light of Jesus’ truth! We just need to take the time.

Easter Encounters. Mary of Magdala encountered Jesus that Resurrection morning. We can become more aware of Jesus in our encounters with those who live in poverty or are otherwise in need. In joy, we can make the most of these blessed meetings.

We also may come together with a few extra family members and friends. Treasure and be thankful for the experience of the love of God as seen in these people!

Easter Eagerness. Let us not allow our enthusiasm concerning our faith wane. Let us keep up the attention to holiness and our spirituality, even in simple, gradual ways. We read that Simon Peter and John, at Mary of Magdala’s news, ran to the tomb of Jesus. May we run into our loving Savior’s arms as we continue to celebrate his resurrection.

Easter Encouragement. People often color ordinary chicken eggs at Easter to add variety and beauty and to draw attention. How can we draw attention to the good news of Easter—the good news that Jesus is risen? May we urge others to consider the true meaning of the resurrection and rejoice together? We don’t have to be Sunday-school teachers to remind others of the great sacrifice Jesus Christ made to atone for our sins!

Easter Empowerment. Jesus’ death and resurrection have granted us access to eternal life with our loving, forgiving God. We have the power to forgive others’ transgressions against us. We can repent of our own bad choices and strengthen our resolve to try again. We can be strong in that resolve!

Easter Excitement. May we bloom like the many colorful flowers are blooming right now! May we not become passive and take the blessings around us for granted. New life is blooming, and new resurrected excitement can bloom in us at any age or stage of life. Jesus’ resurrection is true and full of promise! We are saved! Alleluia!