Easter Sunday

April 11, 2004

by Tom Cox

There was much excitement in archaeology circles with the discovery of an Ossuary or burial box marked “Caiaphas”- yes, the same High Priest that we read of so recently in the Passion. It was later discredited.

Today your Parish Newsletter brings a world exclusive. Somewhere in the ancient ruins of what was the legal district of Jerusalem, an interesting letter was found. Read on…

• To Cohen, Dan & Reuben Solicitors
  I refer to my hurried instructions dated 14th Nisan (Good Friday) last. I realise that the Passover Holiday means that you are only catching up on correspondence. So, I instruct you to please ignore my previous letter and regard this communication alone as effective.
  In that letter, I requested you to arrange that the garden cemetery plot marked out for me be assigned to one Jesus of Nazareth. I enclosed the burial consent forms and formal approval of the Governor Pontius Pilate. It’s possible that some processes of law weren’t followed due to our haste with an immediate burial and the Festival approaching.
  The grave has now been vacated and is no longer required by Jesus. However, I will need it in time – though he tells me only for a short time. If there is any confusion or legal doubt about this new arrangement, I am happy to assist. I regret any inconvenience.
  Yours faithfully,
  Joseph of Arimathea

Not a true letter archaeologically, but it could have been. The empty tomb isn’t just a feeling – it’s a fact. That’s what we celebrate in faith.

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )