💖 HOMILY - APRIL 22 💖

First Reading - Acts 2:36-41

Gospel - John 20:11-18

We all experience great joy when we recover something we had lost. That same joy surges within us when we realize that our God is so near to us that we need not worry about anything. Today’s readings invite us to discover the presence of God in our lives.

In the first reading, we hear about the repentance of the people who listened to Peter’s speech. Peter boldly proclaims that Jesus is both the expected Messiah and the Lord. His words, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, deeply touch the hearts of his listeners—they are “cut to the heart.” This powerful phrase tells us how profoundly they were moved. As a result, they repented and were baptized. This moment was their rediscovery of God—the One from whom they had distanced themselves.

The Gospel passage presents a beautiful account of Mary Magdalene encountering the risen Jesus. Her recognition of Him unfolds in stages: first, her sorrow is evident as she weeps at the entrance of the tomb. Then comes her concern and search for the body of Jesus. And finally, there is the moment of recognition—when Jesus calls her by name. Mary’s love for Jesus is palpable throughout. She weeps for Him, thinking His body has been taken away. She is ready to carry Him by herself. And when she finally recognizes Him, she wants to cling to Him. The joy of finding Jesus makes her throw herself at His feet. But Jesus gently redirects her love toward a mission—He sends her to be the first witness of His resurrection.

Dear friends, we too are invited to discover the risen Christ in our lives. The Jews in Jerusalem discovered Him by listening to Peter, who preached the truth with conviction. We too can discover Christ by reading and listening to the Word of God. The Word is living and active—it pierces the heart, just as it did for Peter’s listeners, and just as it did for Mary when Jesus spoke her name. Let us give the Word of God its rightful place in our lives.

The Gospel teaches us that an authentic and heartfelt search for Jesus leads to a true encounter with Him. Mary found Him because she searched with love. If we search for Jesus with our whole heart, He will reveal Himself to us. Our search must be motivated by love—expressed in our prayers, in our daily work, and in our way of living. Mary’s love for Jesus drew Him to her—and He entrusted her with a mission. Let us allow ourselves to be filled with that same love, and Jesus will reveal His way to us as well.

May the Lord touch our hearts through His Word and His presence. And may our lives reflect the joy of discovering the risen Christ.