The footrace to Christ’s tomb ended with a startling revelation on that first Easter morning. Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but so did all who believe in him. Peter, John and Mary of Magdala were the first to see his empty tomb. Eventually, after that startling sight came one that not only startled but changed its witnesses: Jesus himself appeared to them. After that, those witnesses gave witness. Over the years, generation after generation became witnesses through faith.
As Peter said in our first reading today, “he commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all prophets bear witness, that all who believe in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The first Easter miracle was an empty tomb. Today the miracle is a world full of believers giving witness to what happened in that tomb 2000 years ago. As they do, more and more souls rise from the dead.