He Has Risen! Alleluia!
Easter Sunday of The Resurrection of The Lord
Acts 10:34a, 37–43 / Psalm 118:24 / Colossians 3: 1–4 / 1 Corinthians 5: 6b–8 / John 20:1–9
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
“This is the day the Lord has made! Alleluia!” the Church sings today. This is the day that defines who we are as believers. If a belief in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is not at the top of your list of essential beliefs, then it is time to go back to school for a little remedial Christianity.
From the beginning this belief was what set the followers of Jesus apart from their fellow Jews. Paul even provides a listing of those, including himself, who had had an experience of the risen Lord (see 1 Corinthians 15:5–8). He goes on to make the very clear statement, “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is vain; you are still in your sins” (v. 17).
Peter the denier became Peter the bold proclaimer of the risen Lord, first to the crowds that gathered to hear him on Pentecost, then to the members of the Sanhedrin, and then in the house of Cornelius the Roman centurion. Tradition tells us the others also went about preaching and teaching that God had raised Jesus from the dead.
In the first three Gospels, angels or men dressed in white give the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to the women who had come to the tomb. John’s Gospel presents Mary Magdalene, who believes the body was stolen; Peter, who sees only an empty tomb and the discarded wrappings; and the beloved disciple. Only this last disciple “saw and believed.” He is the model of all who see with the eyes of Easter faith—all who want to.
Consider/Discuss
- With whom do you identify—Peter, Mary Magdalene, or the beloved disciple? Why?
- Why does Paul say that if Christ has not risen, our faith is in vain? Do you see the belief in the resurrection of Jesus as being at the heart of our faith?
Responding to the Word
All powerful, life-giving Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are not the first to whom you have sent an angel, we are not the first to see the empty tomb or the garments neatly folded, and still we say: Alleluia! We believe. Deepen our faith in the resurrection of your Son, our Lord.