The disciple saw and believed

Gospel

John 20:2-8

The other disciple saw, and he believed

On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.

Short Reflection

This poignant account captures the dawning of Christian faith at the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene’s initial assumption is one of loss and confusion—“They have taken the Lord.” Peter and the beloved disciple run to see for themselves. The details are significant: the careful placement of the burial cloths suggests not a robbery or a hasty removal, but a deliberate, peaceful departure from the bonds of death. The beloved disciple, who outran Peter, waited respectfully. But upon entering after Peter, he “saw and believed.” His faith was not based on seeing the risen Jesus in the flesh, but on interpreting the signs of victory left behind. It was a belief born of love and spiritual insight, a moment where the pieces clicked into place and the impossible truth of the Resurrection was embraced.

Question for Reflection

What are the "signs" in my own life and in the world around me that point to the reality of the Resurrection, inviting me to move from confusion to belief?

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, you conquered the grave and left the empty tomb as a sign of your victory. Like the beloved disciple, grant me the grace to “see and believe.” Open the eyes of my heart to recognize the signs of your resurrection power at work in my life, that I may live with the hope and certainty that you are truly risen. Amen.

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