Easter Sunday Acts 10:34 & 37-43; Col 3:1-4; Jn 20:1-9 (Year B)
On Easter Sunday we give thanks to the Father who, through his only begotten Son, has conquered death, unlocking for us the path to life. Remembering the Easter candle, lit from the fire kindled during the Easter Vigil, we pray that we might become the light of Christ to a darkened world.
The Resurrection is so much more than the remembrance of Christ risen from the dead; it is the celebration of his life within us. It is not enough to say that he has conquered death. More than this, Christ has conquered the sin that imprisons hope, diminishing expectations both for ourselves and a broken world.
St Peter preached the Resurrection as God’s power transforming the world. His address to Cornelius demonstrated such power, and challenged attitudes that endure to this day. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, represented everything that a subject people had considered to be beyond the love of God.
Sometimes we unconsciously raise barriers to the possibilities of the Father’s healing love. It is so easy to put ourselves beyond his love, resigning ourselves to what we have become. Trusting not in himself but in the power of the Resurrection, Peter tore down the barriers of timid hearts. He proclaimed that not only Cornelius, but also “all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven”.
St John’s account of that first Easter morning begins with a sense of loss, but concludes with triumphant hope. Mary of Magdala and the disciples were searching for what had been lost. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put him.”
These words surely speak to every generation that has mourned a life once so secure, but now seemingly robbed of meaning and purpose. The emptiness of the tomb echoed the pain we feel as strangers in the presence of God.
The empty tomb, far from proclaiming loss, pointed to a love whose power could not be contained. Like those first disciples, we are reluctant to embrace the power of Christ’s Resurrection to transform our lives. “Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of the scriptures, that he must rise from the dead.”
St Paul had never encountered Christ during his earthly ministry. He had no doubt where the Risen Lord was to be found: “The life you live is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed, you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.”
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.