Gospel: April 20, 2025
April 20, 2025 (Sunday)
Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
1st Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 (or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8)
Gospel: John 20:1-9 (or Mark 16:1-7 or at an afternoon or evening Mass, Luke 24: 13-35)
Now, on the first day after the Sabbath, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark, and she saw that the stone blocking the tomb had been moved away. She ran to Peter, and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they have laid him.” Peter then set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
He bent down and saw the linen cloths lying flat, but he did not enter. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered the tomb; he, too, saw the linen cloths lying flat. The napkin, which had been around his head, was not lying flat like the other linen cloths, but lay rolled up in its place. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. Scripture clearly said that Jesus must rise from the dead, but they had not yet understood that.
Lectio Divina:
“He is risen.”
Read: Early in the morning, Mary of Magdala discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell the others. Peter and John the Beloved disciple run to see what has happened. Peter bends down and looks inside to see that the linen cloths have been purposefully placed to one side, rather than pulled off. This is no grave robbery. John enters and understands the implications even more deeply. “He saw and believed” what Christ had foretold. He is risen!
Reflect: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” The God who made all things has created them anew in his Son Jesus Christ. Every day, every moment, is the Lord’s; we have our very being from him. This day of the Lord’s Resurrection was also planned and made by God. We are not here by chance, but through the merciful love of God, who brought us into being, redeemed us and now carries us forward to eternal life. So, this day was made by the Lord to set us free, to bring us new life. That is a cause for rejoicing! Alleluia!
Pray: Rejoice in the Risen Lord today. Give thanks for the gift of life, and the gift of salvation in Him.
Act: Share your Easter joy with others praising Christ’s name.
