Easter Sunday :C: April 17, 2022

 THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS

First Reading: Acts 10: 34 and 37-43

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4

Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A powerful testimony by St. Peter and other Apostles regarding the life of Jesus, His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead is narrated. The Apostles had the unique privilege of meeting the risen Lord, sharing meals with Him and experiencing His reassuring presence. They were instructed by Jesus that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul instructs the Christian community at Colossia and all of us that through our baptism we share in the life of the risen Christ. Hence we have to set our minds on heavenly things and not on earthly things. Then we will also share in the glory of the risen Lord. 

The empty tomb and the Easter proclamation                                                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A detailed account of the happenings on Easter Sunday morning is narrated. The first visitor to the tomb of Jesus was Mary Magdalene who finds the empty tomb and she thinks  Jesus' body was taken away by someone. She hurriedly goes and reports the matter to the Apostles. Peter and John go  to the tomb and find it empty. The truth of what the scriptures foretold gradually dawns upon them that Jesus would rise from the dead. The empty tomb by itself is not a proof of the resurrection of Jesus. But rather, it is an indication that Jesus is not to be found among the dead. In our case too, although we have the testimony of the Apostles that Jesus is indeed risen and appeared to them, we too need to be strengthened in our faith through a personal and deep experience of the risen Lord. 

May the Lord who has risen from the dead Bless You!

"The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death of all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God's presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave but it won't stay there." - C.W. Hall

"The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it does not contain." - S. Morris

"Christ the Lord is risen today/ Sons of men and angels say/ Raise your joys and triumph high/ Sing ye heavens/ and earth reply." - C. Wesley