Easter Sunday

Reflection

Mary ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved.  Simon Peter and the other disciple then ran to the tomb.  A visitor to Jerusalem might have asked them, "Why all this excitement and running about so early in the morning?"  The disciples could not have answered, at least not at first.  They themselves still did not understand, even after the fact, with the evidence before their very eyes, the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.  How different the scene in Acts 10, where Peter stands up full of confidence to proclaim and expound on Jesus and His Resurrection as the fulfillment of all prophecy.  What had intervened?  Several encounters with the risen Lord, and the gift of the Holy Spirit on Easter evening (John 20:22) and at Pentecost (Acts 2).  Faith is a gift, but it takes time for faith to grow.  We should not be discouraged if, at first, we see nothing but the empty tomb.  Spending time with Jesus—in His Word in Scripture, in prayer, and in the Eucharist and other sacraments—will lead us to become the kinds of witnesses to His Resurrection that His disciples came to be.

Prayer

Lord, I do believe, but help my unbelief.  Never let me be complacent that I have learned all there is to know and love in You.  Lead me on.

Fr. David Cray, S.S.E. ’68,

Superior General of the Society of Saint Edmund

Scripture

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9, Matthew 28:1-10, or Luke 24:13-35

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website