John 20, 1-9:
Sunday, 4th April 2021 (1st Easter B)
RESURRECTION
Sunday morning. The first day of the week. With their hearts full of bitterness and sadness because they have killed their Lord as a criminal, three women go to the tomb of Jesus to embalm his body, according to Jewish custom. They are discussing how they can remove the large stone that covers the entrance to the tomb. As they approach, they see, to their great surprise, that the stone has been removed and the tomb is empty. In its place is a young man dressed in white who asks them: “Who are you looking for, Jesus? He is not here, HE IS RISEN! Go and tell his disciples that they will see him in Galilee”. Despite the angel’s greeting and filled with fear, they run away, unable to say anything to anyone. Only when they met the Risen One would they be able to tell what they had seen.
They are the first missionaries. Sent by the angel, on behalf of God, at a time when women had little to say. They could not speak in the synagogues. They could not testify. Their word was worthless. Socially undervalued. But they are the ones chosen by God to communicate to the world the great event: He is risen. Their Master lives, he is their Saviour. From this moment their lives take on a new meaning. Doubt and fear are changed into hope and joy. May the lives of all of us who believe in the Risen Lord be a reflection of his presence among us.
Happy Easter!
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
