“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.” John 20:1-9
Reflection by Hannah Abalos, Dominican Volunteers
Reflection by Hannah Abalos, Dominican Volunteers
Christ has risen! Truly, he has risen!
The Resurrection—the great triumph of Jesus Christ over sin and death. You’d think that John would depict such a momentous event in his Gospel, but no: mystery shrouds the Resurrection. We only glimpse the clues left behind: the heavy stone rolled away; the burial cloths left empty; the absence of a body.
When Mary Magdalene encounters the empty tomb, even though she stands at the site of this great miracle in salvation history, she panics. She does not understand what she sees. How many times have we found ourselves in her shoes? Stunned, afraid, and at a loss for what to do? In my ministry, not a day goes by without some obstacle or challenge, big or small. Maybe a student’s family has just lost their home; maybe only one girl shows up for choir practice, again. Ministry can be frustrating, and sometimes it’s difficult to see meaning in the hard days. Am I even making a difference?
In some ways, we are still like the apostles, who saw the empty tomb but did not understand its significance—did not realize that Christ had risen to bring us all to salvation. I don’t pretend to understand the many graces and “blessings in disguise” that God grants our school, but because I trust in His plan, I am filled with peace.
This Easter season, let us ponder how the Lord works in ways beyond our understanding, and let us pray that our eyes are opened to the extraordinary miracles that take place in our lives.
Prayer
Loving God,
You sent Your beloved Son into the world so that we
might be able to share in the glory of His Resurrection. We
ask that you give us faith, that we may trust in your mysterious
plan; give us hope, that we may persevere through trials;
and give us love, that we may be inspired to be your hands and
your feet to the people whom we serve. Be with us today
and every day, as we joyfully bring to the world the news of your
glorious Resurrection.
Amen.
Focus on: Community
When Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb of Jesus, she ran to Simon Peter and “the other disciple” to tell them what she had found. When confronting the unknown and failing to find answers, we often seek comfort in the presence of others. In your family or community, how do you cultivate a culture of caring? If you or any member of your community were experiencing a difficult time, would your community be a nurturing environment of acceptance for them? Is your community compassionate? Respectful? Patient? Forgiving?
Service Suggestion:
Think of those who are lonely: the elderly; prison inmates; the sick in the hospital; or perhaps your next-door neighbor. During this season of Paschal joy, consider visiting someone who may not regularly have visitors, to bring the light of love into their life. Perhaps you can bake cookies, or bring other needed supplies. Even just bringing yourself and a smile could make that person’s day. Consider making this a regular act of service, perhaps monthly, or even weekly or daily.
This reflection is part of our Lenten Series – Download the Lenten Guide Here
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