Easter Sunday - Cycle B
April 8, 2012
Click here for USCCB readings
Opening Prayer
First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm: 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9
- On the third day after Jesus’ death on the cross Mary Magdalene, accompanied by some other women (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55—24:1), come to the tomb fully expecting to find Jesus’ body. Imagine her reaction when she finds the heavy stone rolled back and the body gone! Her first thought was to run to tell Peter, the leader of the remaining apostles.
- Although Peter at first doubted her story (Luke 24:11), he and “the other apostle” (by tradition, John), also run to the tomb. They find the burial cloths in such a state that made it clear that the body had not been stolen (verses 6-7). At this point, they still could not grasp that Jesus had risen, as he predicted he would. Later, however, they would have no doubt.
- That Jesus rose from the dead is the most well-attested miracle in Scripture. The Old Testament foretold it; Jesus predicted it on more than one occasion; it was confirmed by his several appearances (John 20:19—21:1; Acts 1:3; Luke 24:13-35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). It was even verified by the Roman soldiers guarding his tomb ((Matthew 28:11-15)! Let us rejoice today that Jesus has defeated sin and death—Alleluia! He is risen indeed!
QUESTIONS:
- The 2nd reading speaks of us being “raised in Christ”. In what tense is this spoken of: past, present, or future? What does St. Paul say is our destiny in Christ?
- Put yourself in the place of Mary Magdalene in the Gospel reading. What is your emotional state in the days following the crucifixion? Why do you go to the tomb so early? How do you react to the empty tomb? To what can you compare her joy at meeting the risen Lord?
- According to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, how long was Jesus dead and his body in the tomb (John 2:18-22; Acts 10:40; CCC 994)? What did Jesus do for that time while in the tomb (1 Peter 3:19, 4:6; CCC 631-33)?
- What had the disciples been told in advance about Jesus rising from the dead (Matthew 16:21, 27:63)? How do the positions of the linen shroud and the napkin provide corroborating evidence of the Resurrection? What is your proof that Jesus rose from the dead?
- How should we respond to the empty tomb? Why did John preach the message (John 19:35, 17:20; 1 John 5:13)? When a loved one dies or life seems cruel or a drudgery, how does the Resurrection of Jesus help you deal with your pain?
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 2174, 515, 631-658
"Alleluia! Christ is truly risen! We can make absolutely no qualification of this fact whatsoever. Christ has really, truly, and substantially risen, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, from the dead. The whole Christ has risen indeed for the completion of the work of our redemption…For just as by dying He endured all evil to deliver us from evil, so was He glorified in rising to advance us to good things, according to Romans 4:25 which says that 'He was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification' " ~St. Thomas Aquinas