Just as He had promised, Jesus has been raised from the dead
Reflections on the readings for Easter Sunday-Mass of Easter Day (April 17, 2022): ACTS 10:34,37-43; PS 118:1-2,16-17,22-23; COL 3:1-4; Sequence -- Victimae paschali laudes; JN 20:1-9
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
The darkness of the tomb is left behind in the light of day.
IIn the first of the readings on this Easter Sunday morning, we hear St. Peter quoted in the Acts of the Apostles, saying that “We are witnesses of all that (Jesus) did. … They put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree. This man raised on the third day. … He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:39-40,42). Peter knew that people needed to know all that Christ had done. That meant His preaching, His miracles, and in particular, His Crucifixion and Resurrection. For those who had never seen or heard our Lord, Peter and the other disciples had to be clear that they did speak in His name. Jesus was not only a good and holy man, but He was also exactly who He said he was: the Son of God. On this day when we happily celebrate the end of the Lenten season and the joyous start of Easter time, we who believe in Him acknowledge Him as our Savior and King. We also know that He will come again for a second and last time to judge all people. All of us who choose to love and serve God and to love and serve our brothers and sisters will join Him for all eternity.
The feast of the Resurrection of the Lord is not only a time to look back on the wisdom and compassion He revealed so long ago, but also to look forward to life everlasting. That is the prize He won for us by dying on a cross and rising again. The love of God for His people goes far beyond our days on earth. There is an Easter hymn called a Sequence that we hear only on this day. It was written in the 11th century and is known as Victimae paschali laudes: “Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer your thankful praises! / A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, reconciles sinners to the Father./ … Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.” Our new life obtaining… That is the wonder of Easter. All Jesus did was for us and gave us, one by one by one.
Suggested missionary action: We can reveal and share the joy of Easter by spreading the Good News of Christ around the world. Through prayer and support for the Church’s missions we can help others know the magnificence of the Resurrection of Christ -- and His people.
