Easter Sunday
As individuals, and as people, we move toward belief
Readings for: Resurrection of the Lord-Easter Sunday
Reading 1 Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Reading 2 Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel John 20:1-9
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
Easter is a happy time for Christians. It tells us there is life after death. It tells us there is hope no matter how desperate life seems to get. The readings for Easter Sunday make three great affirmations: They proclaim that the tomb of Jesus was found to be empty, that Jesus appeared alive to certain followers and that through faith and baptism we can share in the new life of the Risen Christ. Taken together, these affirmations constitute the Church's Easter faith and Proclamation.
As individuals, and as people, we move toward belief. It is always ahead of us. The gospel makes it clear that the disciples did not understand the consequences of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, Yet they believed. They preached what they saw and they had nothing to gain for their efforts, except Martyrdom. Our task is to ponder the consequences for ourselves, today. Where are we looking for the Risen Lord? Do we look in the empty tomb, or among the living where healing and reconciliation are happening? We’re happy because Jesus overcame the power of death. And He has promised to share his risen glory with all of those who follow him. For those who follow him, death is only a door that opens to a glorious new life. It is a promise of peace and eternal happiness.
There is a story of a three story building on fire. Everybody got out of the building except a 9 year old girl on the third floor. She was crying aloud calling her dad to save her. The dad ran to the window of the first floor, telling her to jump so that he can grab her. She cried all the more, dad I am afraid to jump, I can’t see you. But her dad persuaded her to jump so that he can see her. Then, she jumped and her father grabbed her. God loves us. No matter what we have done in the past, when we approach him with sincerity of heart, He is always ready to welcome us back. But we need the same courage as the girl in today’s story. God sees us even when we think that we are beyond redemption because of our sins. Today, live without fear or anxiety, for the Lord lives and so shall you.
