FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Acts of the Apostles 10:34a. 37-43 «This man they killed, hanging him on a tree. But God raised him up on the third day.»
In the first reading, taken from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and his glorious resurrection on the third day. This passage teaches us that, despite death and suffering, the final victory belongs to God, who has the power to give life even to those who have been crucified.
PSALM 117:1-2. 16-17. 22-23 «This is the day that the Lord has made: let it be our joy and our gladness.»
In Psalm 117, the greatness of God is proclaimed and the joy we feel as we celebrate the day the Lord made for our joy and gladness. It is a day of rejoicing and hope, because in it we remember the victory of Christ over death and the promise of eternal life that, as we have already said, he offers us in the beloved Son of the Father.
SECOND READING from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Colossians 3:1-4
«When Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear glorious together with him.»
The second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, invites us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It reminds us that our true life is hidden with Christ in God, and that when He appears, we too will appear glorious together with Him. Death is not the end for a believer who has allowed himself to be reconciled with his Father in the Son; it is the way to reach the definitive encounter with the One from whom we come and to whom we belong.
FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 20:1-9.
«They have taken away the Lord from the tomb and we do not know where they have laid him.»
On this long-awaited Sunday of Easter dawn, we joyfully celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who conquered death by fulfilling his promise and opened the gates of eternal life.
LISTEN
In the Gospel according to John, we are told of the moment when Mary Magdalene discovers that the tomb of Jesus is empty. This scene reminds us of the surprise and confusion of the disciples at the resurrection of Christ, and invites us to reflect on the mystery of the new life that he offers us.
Mary Magdalene was such a follower of Jesus that today the Gospel mentions her as a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. In 2016, Pope Francis named her «Apostle to the Apostles,» recognizing her importance in spreading the message of Jesus. She is an example of fidelity in love, of courage and daring in not sheltering from the fear and fatality that the disciples were experiencing after the death on the Cross of the Master and the certainty that all his followers could suffer the same fate.
CONTEMPLA
At dawn on the morning of the resurrection, Mary visits the tomb and, overcome with zeal because she sees that her Lord has been taken away and does not know where he has been placed, she communicates her bewilderment, sadness and anxiety to the other apostles. This announcement brings Peter and «that other disciple who ran more», suspected to be John, out of fear and anonymity and sets them on a determined and coherent path with their call as disciples.
We have all experienced at some time how love or what we love is threatened and paradoxically fear makes us courageous, gives us lucidity and wisdom to face the struggles and resistance that suffering brings with it.
ASK YOURSELF
What does it mean for you to contemplate the empty tomb? What feelings come to your mind when you know that the death of Jesus did not have the Last Word? How can you give a reason for the Resurrection of the Lord? What would be your announcement?
INVITATION
In this Easter season, we remember with gratitude the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, his victory over death and the promise of eternal life for all those who believe in him. May the joy of the resurrection fill our hearts and inspire us to live as witnesses to the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Sr. Sandra Milena Velásquez B, tc