Daily Gospel Reflection for March 31, 2024: Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 20:1-9

For many years, I was involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation process at our parish, first as a sponsor, later as a team member, and finally as the wife of a man who entered the Church through RCIA after many years of prayer.

The Easter Vigil began with our Church fully darkened. The night culminated with the sanctuary lit brightly. Hymns of praise filled every corner and heart. The next morning, on Easter Sunday, we returned to those same pews we'd filled the night before in the company of our family. The joy I felt lingered in my heart for weeks.

Whenever I read this Gospel passage of the Resurrection according to John, my heart hearkens back to that feeling of joy. But it’s also easy to immerse myself in the Evangelist’s words from a variety of perspectives:

I am Mary Magdalene, longing to see my teacher and running to tell my friends, his followers, what I have experienced.

I am Simon Peter, noticing my surroundings, seeing that something remarkable has happened, yet not fully understanding what that is.

I am the “beloved disciple,” John. I love the Lord so much and run so quickly that I arrive first, but hesitate to enter. When I see the tomb’s emptiness, I believe that our Lord has fulfilled all that He taught and promised.

This Easter, I can so tangibly feel these powerful emotions. Our world is filled with much pain and desperation. My own life is challenging. Yet in the Eucharist, I meet Christ, truly present, and encounter the purest and most profound hope.

I long to be one with my Lord, Jesus.

I strive but do not fully understand the mysteries of my faith. But I trust.

I believe that Jesus is truly risen. In Him, I find hope.

Ponder:

When you read this passage of John's Gospel, what emotions fill your heart? How does being an "Easter person" give you hope for your life and our world?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, You came into the world to love and save each one of us. Help me to love deeply, trust faithfully, and hope passionately in Your every promise of salvation. You are risen indeed! Amen, alleluia!

Click to tweet:
Our world is filled with much pain and desperation. My own life is challenging. Yet in the Eucharist, I meet Christ, truly present, and encounter the purest and most profound hope. #DailyGospel

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