For the secular world, Easter is over
now. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however, today is the second day of a fifty
day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the
light of the most important thing that ever happened. Jesus Christ rose from
the dead, just as he said he would.
The Catechism says, “The Resurrection
of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and
lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as
fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament;
and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross:
Christ is risen from the dead! Dying, he conquered death; To the dead, he has
given life.”
“To the dead, he has given life.” What
powerful words these are! This truth resounds through every Easter Alleluia we
sing. It is meant to animate every day of our life.
This is what we see already in today’s
readings. In the first reading, Peter stands in Jerusalem and boldly proclaims
that the crucified Jesus has been raised up by God. Peter himself is a sign of
what the Resurrection does. The man who once hid in fear now speaks with
courage. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene runs to announce the news to the
disciples. Sorrow has given way to joy and urgency.
The Resurrection is not only something
that happened to Jesus; it is something Jesus now shares with us. His victory
becomes our victory. His life becomes our life. Souls, dead because of sin,
have been raised up. Lives under the sway of sin are freed. Again, fear is
transformed into boldness. Sorrow is transformed into joy.
This season, the secular world, which
has forgotten Christ, which never really knew him, is to witness His
resurrection through us. That’s why on this 1st day after easter
sunday, we are given examples of Easter witness: Mary Magdalene sharing the
news with the disciples, St. Peter boldly proclaiming Christ to the crowd.
Mission. The Church has a mission. You and I have a mission. We
The world needs to see signs of his
Resurrection in us: in deeper hope, in real joy, in renewed courage, in freedom
from sin, in charity and peace. Christ is truly risen, and has given us new
life—and that life is meant to be lived.
May the power of Christ’s resurrection
continue to raise us to new life and help us to witness to his great victory
for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Brothers
and sisters, rejoicing in the victory of Christ who has conquered death and
given new life to his people, let us bring our prayers before the Father.
For the Church throughout the world: that, renewed by the joy of
Easter, she may boldly proclaim that Christ is risen and bear convincing
witness to his victory by lives of holiness, charity, and peace. Let us pray to
the Lord.
For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and deacons: that the power
of the Resurrection may strengthen them in their ministry and make them
fearless heralds of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who govern the nations: that the risen Christ may turn
hearts from violence, division, and despair toward justice, reconciliation, and
the dignity of every human life. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who were baptized or received into the Church at Easter:
that they may remain close to the risen Lord and grow each day in the new life
of grace they have received. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those whose souls are burdened
by sin, fear, grief, illness, or hopelessness: that the Lord Jesus, who gave
life to the dead, may raise them up with his mercy and fill them with peace.
Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have died: that they
may come to share fully in the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection, and for the
consolation of those who mourn them. Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest:
Heavenly Father, you raised your Son from the dead and made him the source of
new life for the world. Hear the prayers we place before you and make us
faithful witnesses of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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