Today we rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord from the dead
Reflections on the readings for Easter Sunday-Mass of Easter Day (April 4, 2021): ACTS 10:34,37-43; PS 118:1-2,16-17,22-23; COL 3:1-4; 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.
In rising again from that dark tomb set in another garden, Jesus brought an undying light and life into the world. Yet it is not enough to say we are His disciples. Like Christ, we...
Easter celebrates new life. First and foremost, Jesus our Savior has risen. Crucified on Friday, He lives again on Sunday. And in His life He gives life to His people. Sin and death are left behind in the tomb. For all who believe in Him, eternal life awaits. The bonds of evil that, too often, tie us to sin and selfishness are broken. Christ offers us a future of hope in Him. St. Paul encourages us: “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:2-4).
On Holy Thursday, we watched Jesus pray in the Garden of Olives, beseeching His Father to take away the bitter suffering and death that were before Him. His human nature was naturally repelled by the torment He faced. But He understood that the will of the Father that must prevail and He humbly accepted it. Now, through Christ’s sacrifice for us we can unite our personal pain and difficulties with His Passion. Even though we may experience hard times during our life on earth, we have the assurance of our Redeemer that we are never alone, that He is always with us. In rising again from that dark tomb set in another garden, Jesus brought an undying light and life into the world. Yet it is not enough to say we are His disciples. Like Christ, we must embrace the will of the Father. Whatever He asks of us, whatever His will wants from us, we must respond as Jesus did with a willing heart. We are called to open ourselves to imitate our Savior’s devotion to serving His Father – our Father – with the courage and perseverance that Jesus embodied. We cannot do this on our own. Only by cooperating with the Divine grace can we accomplish the Divine will. Then, both on earth and in heaven we can proclaim that Christ is indeed our life. We belong to Him forever.
Suggested missionary action: On this Easter, let us embrace the beauty and glory of the Risen Christ. Let us make an effort to show Him to others by living the Good News in the days ahead. And let us pray that we continue to share the treasure of the Gospel message and encourage others to do so.
Give with heart this Easter. Put resources in the hands of missionaries in the Pope’s missions who are serving the poor and battling COVID-19.