Easter Sunday
Scripture:
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9
Reflection:
Early morning darkness; the stone removed from the tomb; burial cloths rolled up; Jesus "missing"…the Good News takes shape — and the rest is history!
Today, this Easter 2010, is a day of Life and Joy — a day in which God gives new meaning to all of our lives in the Resurrection of Jesus. The tragedy of Jesus’ suffering abuse, crucifixion, and death is transformed by the gift of His risen Life. With Mary of Magdala, Peter and John, we witness this new, risen Life, but still try to understand its deeper meaning.
The reading from the Acts of Apostles helps us as we recount Peter’s proclamation of "good news", making some sense of what has happened: Jesus went about doing good, suffered much, was crucified and died, was raised by God from the dead — and then made himself known to his early followers who were (and are) to carry the message to others.
New Life through the Resurrection of Jesus is our goal as 21st Century followers of Jesus. Our hope in the Resurrection of Jesus gives meaning and purpose to our lives which we celebrate in each Eucharist, but especially this Easter. What Jesus did in his Paschal Mystery, he did for our benefit! The challenges and misfortunes of our lives and our world are transformed in Jesus’ risen Life.
"Alleluia’s" now flow from our hearts and lips. The words of the memorial acclamations from the Easter Eucharist take on new meaning as truly Good News for us and our world: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again" … "Dying he destroyed our death, rising he restored our life" … "Lord, by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free…" We are the risen Jesus’ messengers in our day; Good News should radiate from our very being; we each are invited to be a living "alleluia" from head to toe (though at times our song might be a bit off key…)!
In the words of Psalm 118: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!" Good News, indeed… The Word to remember is "Easter"!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky.