Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20, 2-8
On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we do not know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
Being a witness to the Risen Christ
1. Went out. This was John’s way—full of energy and youthful strength, pouring passion into all that he did. He truly believed in his Master and was always searching for Him. John faced the agony of the crucifixion next to Mary, and now he sets out to confirm that his Master is alive, that Christ is risen and reigns, and that death has been defeated. Today, we too are called to step out—stop going round in circles with the same old routines and gloomy expressions. Let’s move forward because Christ is risen. Let’s seek Jesus, who is alive, and reach out to those who feel lifeless within, so that they might find life in Him. Go, run, walk—spread the joy of being Christian. Be visibly joyful and vibrant. Pour your heart into your actions, for that is where your true strength lies.
2. Today, see and rediscover Jesus. Make an effort to encounter Him. Rekindle the flame that brings you life, the light that once revived you. Remember the moment when Jesus touched your heart. Notice that the burial cloths are cast aside yet carefully arranged. Whatever bound you in the past, Christ has already redeemed and released you from it. With Him and with time, everything will fall into place. Trust that all will be set right. Believe and have faith. Notice the light that surrounds you and let the veils fall from your eyes. Take a look at yourself in the mirror at some point today and recognize your freedom—there are no chains holding you. Don’t allow anyone or anything to enslave you. Even if you consider yourself a servant of Jesus, remember that He wants to set you free and calls you His child, for He desires you to be His brother or sister.
3. Today. I was struck by the Pope Francis’s words: “A faith without doubts cannot advance.” Faith is a journey, and we’re always moving forward. Sometimes, the connection with God feels weak, and prayer may seem hard, or you may not feel like praying at all. Strengthen your faith: read about the saints, study the catechism, and discuss your doubts with others. This is the beauty of our faith—it can be explored and understood on deeper levels. But above all, live your faith, because our lives are meant for believing so that we may celebrate, celebrating so that we may truly live, and living so that we may pray.
Never forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
