Easter is about seeking and finding. However, it entirely depends on what you’re looking for. And during this season, why do we search for something that’s empty?

One of the optional Gospel readings for Easter is Luke’s account of the women who visit Jesus’ tomb. They meet up with angels who ask them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead?” (Lk 24:5) It’s a fascinating question to ponder because it challenges us to reflect upon our faith. While it makes sense for the women to look for Jesus at the tomb, as they expected Him to remain buried. For us, living 2,000 years later, with scores of commentary, sermons, and prayers written about Jesus’ resurrection, we have to ask ourselves: where do we look for Jesus? Do we go to “dead” places to find Him? Are we surprised when our half-hearted attempts result in emptiness?

Ironically, many participate in seeking another type of emptiness: plastic Easter eggs. These colorful symbols of the season seem to contrast the empty tomb. While they may be a symbol of the holiday, they are not true correlations of the faith, rather they are merely a hollow imitation of the real symbol. Tradition teaches that an egg is a symbol of the resurrection when it is cracked open, not when it is whole, intact, and painted a pastel color. A plastic egg pales in comparison to a real egg. It is hollow inside, and, frankly, it’s fake. Yet we joyfully go after them on Easter to see how many we can find. Or for those who are hiding the frauds, to see how many others will find without hints. Do we chase after Jesus with the same mirth and excitement? Do our actions lead others to Jesus or drive them farther away?

It is an interesting juxtaposition: a plastic Easter egg and Jeus’ tomb; both are empty. Yet the tomb is responsible for more joy over the centuries than any single plastic Easter egg ever could. Our human nature makes us susceptible to hunt for these colorful but meaningless toys, which can correlate to our earthly desires and passions. It may make us happy in the moment, especially when we find one, but that moment is fleeting. When we dig down in our faith and seek Jesus, the empty tomb becomes our promise of hope in what’s to come for us. We, too, someday will be resurrected like Jesus; reunited body and soul. The empty tomb is not just some cave far, far away. It is theological proof that Jesus IS God in the second person of the Trinity, for only God can raise the dead and bring new life back to what is no longer. Jesus died for us, going to the farthest reaches any human can go, and came back again. He freed us from sin’s dark hold and put an end to the fear of death. 

God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Like a real egg cracking to release the newly hatched chick, the tomb cracks open new life in Jesus Christ. Through our faith in Him, Jesus fills us with grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Anything else is a cheap thrill that will only leave us empty inside.