Daily Gospel Reflection for April 19, 2025: Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

Early morning quiet. Dew glistening on the earth. A stillness that contains both heavy sorrow and a hint of anticipation as the women make their way to Jesus’ tomb. They are up before the men; they have work to do. Anointing Jesus is their priority. They went prepared to care for Him, even in death.

But He was not there. And while it confused them at first, they recalled His words once they were reminded,

“Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day." Luke 24:6-7

It was God’s plan that women would be bearers of the great news of Jesus’ resurrection to the Apostles. The responsibility, the urgency, and the care all speak to the love Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, James’ mother, had for the Lord. This was a gift to them in response to their gift.

When faced with difficulties, trials, and tasks we believe are impossible or overwhelming, these women remind us that we can do what is necessary out of love for the Lord. It does not mean we are abandoned to deal with hardships and grief on our own. Rather, we face them, head-on, ready to serve with the help of Jesus.

Today, as we burst forth with the Gloria and sing Alleluia at the Easter Vigil, we praise and thank the God who loves us enough to give us His Son to save us. Let us be like Peter, not in his disbelief of the women, but in his amazement at the Resurrection. For Jesus Christ is risen today, alleluia, alleluia!

Ponder:

How do you see yourself like the women in this passage?

Pray:

Alleluia! Alleluia! Lord Jesus, You gave all to us in Your dying. Help us to live in the new life of Your Resurrection. 

Copyright 2025 Deanna Bartalini