Christ is risen today Alleluia

Gospel

John 20:1-9

He must rise from the dead

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and 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. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

Reflection

In John 20:1-9, the empty tomb invites us to notice what the disciples initially miss: the absence of Jesus’s body is not a defeat but a sign of new life breaking through. The careful observations—the folded cloths, the empty space—lead them to faith that what seemed lost is transformed. Like them, we are called to move from familiarity to awe, from doubt to trust, and to allow the risen Christ to redefine our expectations of power, love, and hope. The resurrection is not just an event to be acknowledged; it is a invitation to live in the reality that life overcomes death, fear yields to peace, and grace renews all things.

Reflection Question

- What in my life feels “dead” or closed off, and how might the risen Jesus bring new life to that space this week?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the empty tomb that proclaims new life. Help me to notice the signs of Your resurrection in my daily life and to trust where I cannot fully understand. Fill me with courage to live as someone transformed by grace, bringing hope to others through Your love. Jesus, risen Lord, be my guide today and always. Amen.

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