Scripture:
Acts 10:34, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9
Reflection:
Good News: Easter Life & Joy!
The “scene”: early morning darkness; the stone rolled away from the tomb; the burial cloths rolled up; Jesus’ body “missing” … The Good News is taking shape, it’s real — and the rest is history!!
Today, Easter 2021, is a day of Life and Joy — the day in which God gives new and so needed meaning to all life in Jesus’ Resurrection. The tragedy of Jesus’ suffering of abuse, crucifixion, and death is transformed into the gift of His risen Life. With Mary of Magdala, Peter and John, we witness this unfolding new, risen Life of Jesus … still trying to comprehend its profound meaning.
As shared in today’s 2nd Scripture reading from the Acts of Apostles, Peter helps us as he proclaims the “good news” of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. One can imagine the conviction in his message to those gathered to hear him: Jesus went about doing good, suffered much, was crucified, died, was raised by God from the dead — and then revealed Himself to his early followers who were to carry the message to others. Yes!!
New Life through the Resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift to us as 21st Century followers of Jesus. Our world of COVID-19, fear, injustice, and violence needs that new Life. The Resurrection of Jesus gives renewed hope, meaning and purpose to our lives – for Jesus embraced His Paschal Mystery for our benefit today, in 2021! The challenges and troubles of life today are transformed by Jesus’ risen Life into needed moments of grace and goodness. Yes!!
The life and encouragement of our Easter “Alleluia’s” now flow from our hearts and lips. We are 21st Century heralds of the risen Jesus, sharing Jesus’ message of hope and healing, life and goodness.
May the Easter Proclamation radiate from our very beings; we are living “alleluia’s”, from head to toe (though at times our “song” might be a bit off key…)! In the words of today’s Responsorial Psalm 118, we are to sing out: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!”
Good News indeed…the Word to remember is “Easter”! Amen! Alleluia!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the Vocation Director for Holy Cross Province. He lives at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.