Easter Sunday: B: March 31, 2024

               THE LORD IS RISEN ! ALLELUIA

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. Peter and other Apostles give a powerful and convincing testimony regarding the life of Jesus: His death on the cross on that tragic Friday and His resurrection from the dead on the third day, Easter Sunday. The Apostles had the unique privilege of meeting the Risen and glorified Lord personally; sharing meals with Him and experiencing His re-assuring and life-giving presence. He assures them that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul explains to the Colossian Christian community  and all of us that through our baptism we share in the life of the Risen Lord. Hence we have to set our minds on heavenly things and not on earthly matters. Paul assures us that all who believe in the Lord will share in the glory of the Risen Lord. 

The discovery of the empty tomb and its significance in the resurrection of Jesus                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A detailed description of the happenings on Easter Sunday morning is given. The first visitor to the tomb of Jesus is Mary Magdalene. She finds that the tomb of Jesus is empty. She thinks that the body of Jesus is taken away by someone. She hurriedly goes and reports the matter to the Apostles. Peter and John, two of the Apostles go to the tomb and find it to be empty. The truth of what the scriptures had foretold gradually begin to 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 it gives a very strong indication that Jesus is not to be found among the dead. Later on, many of the disciples experience the presence of the Risen Lord as He appears to them on various occasions. Their faith is strengthened by those comforting and life-giving experiences. They finally realize that Jesus is truly risen from the dead. In our case too, although we have the testimony of the Apostles and other disciples that Jesus is risen, we need to experience the comforting presence of the Risen Lord personally and be strengthened in our faith.

MAY THE RISEN LORD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH.                              WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY EASTER!

"The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for 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 you joys and triumphs high! Sing ye heavens and earth reply." - C. Wesley