Gospel: (J 20: 1-9)
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
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St. Faustina noted in her Diary (D. 1669, 205, 1670)
“Heart of My Heart, take your fill of joy.”
Today, during Easter Mass, I saw Jesus in great brightness, He came up to me and said, “Peace to you, My children.” And He raised His hand and blessed us. The wounds on His hands, feet, and side were not obliterated but shining brilliantly. He looked upon me with such graciousness and love that my soul submerged completely in Him, and He said to me, “You have taken a large part in My Passion, that is why I am giving you a great part in My glory and joy.” The whole of the Easter Mass seemed but a single minute. An extraordinary recollection overwhelmed my soul and lasted for the whole of Easter. Jesus’ graciousness is so great that it cannot be put into words.
Easter. At Mass, I thanked Jesus for redeeming us, and for His greatest gift, for deigning to give us His love – Himself – in Holy Communion. And at that moment, I was drawn up to the bosom of the Holy Trinity, and immersed in the Father’s, the Son’s, and the Holy Spirit’s love. It’s hard to describe such moments.
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- Jesus is alive! He comes as the Lord of life and death and speaks to my heart with great love: take your fill of joy.
- We most often experience Jesus’ Passover in the community (family, religious …), it is a common path on which Jesus tells us: Peace be with you, my children! To whom can I bring Good News today?
- I will abide in joy and thanksgiving for the gift of salvation. I am a free child of God, redeemed by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
