Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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Homily Reflections - John 20:1-9 - Easter Sunday
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“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!” - Psalm 118
Mary Magdalene is present in all four Gospel accounts, but here in John’s Gospel she is alone -“coming to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark.” Again, we notice John’s continuing theme of darkness-light that runs throughout his Gospel. When she sees that the large stone has been rolled away from the tomb, she runs to tell the apostles what has happened – and two apostles (Peter and John) run to the tomb to see for themselves. Running, in fact, is mentioned no less than three times in this short passage.
Easter isn’t just a noun. Easter is almost something you should think of as a verb. Just like your faith.
Is your faith in the Risen Christ on the move?
Is your faith active? Does it move? Is it something alive and wonderous and constantly in motion?
When Simon Peter enters the tomb first (in recognition of his leadership), he sees that the burial cloths and the cloth covering Jesus’ face is carefully rolled up. Such a detail illustrates that the resurrection is a very deliberate and definitive conquest of death – for we remember that Lazarus exited the tomb still bound in his burial clothes. Jesus is truly risen! Death has been conquered!
When the Beloved Disciple (John) enters the tomb, he sees and believes – implying that Peter has somehow failed to grasp the significance of the burial clothes laid carefully aside in a separate place.
John concludes this short passage with a strange statement: “For they did not yet understand the Scriptures that he had to rise from the dead.” The early Christian tradition claims that the resurrection was foretold in the Scriptures (Acts 2:24-27; 1 Cor. 15:4). But it is not clear to which passages they refer. In John’s Gospel, many things in Jesus’ life are clarified only after the sending of the Spirit.
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of John 20:1-9.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Which emotions stir within you in this reading?
Further Questions and Reflections:
Each of the four Gospels tells us that Jesus’ empty tomb was first discovered by women. This is notable because in first-century Jewish society women could not serve as legal witnesses. In John’s account, there is no appearance of angels. Instead, only Mary Magdalene is there to observe that the stone had been moved. In all the resurrection accounts, the role and significance of women is highlighted – pointing to future leadership positions within the early Church.
Identify women who have been instrumental in your faith journey.
Neither Peter nor John came to believe in the Resurrection without enduring confusion and uncertainty. Their running to the tomb indicates their inner desperation. But out of the confusion comes clarity. The empty tomb can only mean that Jesus is truly alive. Life is divine. Not absurd!
If you were standing at the entrance of the tomb, would you go in? What would be going through your mind? Your emotions? Your hopes? Dreams?
The empty tomb is the message that nothing is final in this life, not even death. God’s love is stronger than any human power, violence, or cruelty. Love conquers all. Do you believe this?
“Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark.” When have you experienced darkness on your faith journey? Light?
This day, we carry the amazing news: Jesus is risen! We have to tell others. It’s not the sort of news that you spread by walking. You have to run! Are you running? Will you keep the momentum going?
Deacon David Suley
Published with Permission
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