First Reading - Acts 10:34,37-43
Second Reading - Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel - John 20:1-9
A little girl excitedly raised her hand, leapt out of her chair, and shouted, “I know! TA-DA!”
Another boy chimed in, “Please stop staring and pass me the fish sandwiches — it’s been three days and I’m starving!”
Then the teacher asked a second question: “Why do you think Jesus appeared to women first after the Resurrection?” A girl quickly replied, “Because He wanted to make sure the news spread quickly!”
Children have a way of expressing truth with humor. But behind the smiles lies a deep reality: we are all bearers of the message of the Resurrection. The women were the first to receive and proclaim the good news, but now that mission belongs to each one of us.
The gospel today, from St. John, offers us meaningful lessons through the figure traditionally identified as the beloved disciple—John the Apostle. If we reflect on his journey, we see a beautiful transformation that captures the very heart of the Easter message.
First, we witness a transformation of character. In the Synoptic Gospels, John appears ambitious—seeking a high position in Christ’s kingdom, growing jealous of others, and even wanting to call down fire from heaven on those who rejected Jesus. But in today’s gospel, we see a new John—meek and humble. Though he reaches the tomb first, he waits for Peter to enter. The one who once wanted to be first now honors Peter’s primacy. This is a paschal transformation—from self-importance to humility, from ambition to faithfulness.
St. Paul captures this idea in the second reading when he says, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” The resurrection of Christ invites us to leave behind the worldly pursuit of power, prestige, and selfish desires—and instead fix our hearts on God. John’s transformation challenges us to evaluate our own hearts. Have we allowed Easter to change us?
Secondly, we learn from John’s example of faith. The Gospel says: “He saw and believed.” He didn’t need to verify, or see Jesus in the flesh—he believed simply by seeing the empty tomb. That is faith.
We, too, encounter the risen Christ—every time we come to the Eucharist. Do we truly believe that the small host we receive is the same risen Jesus? Do we recognize that the Christ who walked with His disciples after the Resurrection walks with us in our own struggles and joys?
In the first reading, Peter boldly proclaims the Resurrection. He affirms that Jesus is the judge of the living and the dead, and that those who believe in Him receive the forgiveness of sins. This is the gift of salvation—and it is received through faith.
Faith cannot be manufactured. It is a gift, sown in our hearts through baptism. But like any seed, it must be nurtured. And that’s where our spiritual life comes in—through prayer, the sacraments, the Word of God, and Christian living.
Dear friends, Lent gave us time to prepare our hearts—to break old habits, to take up new practices of charity and self-discipline. Many of us made resolutions: giving up certain comforts, practicing more prayer, doing works of mercy. These are all good. But now the real question is: Have they changed us? If they have, then we are truly celebrating Easter. If not, then perhaps we need to re-evaluate.
Easter is not just a day—it is a life. A life that is transformed, renewed, and oriented toward Christ. Let us not return to our old ways of thinking, acting, or living. Let us rise with Christ—into a life of humility, faith, and love.
Let us also continue to nurture the seed of faith in our hearts. Faith must grow, or it will wither. May we never become lax or indifferent. Instead, may we persevere in prayer, receive the sacraments faithfully, read and reflect on the Word of God daily, and live out our faith in love and service.
May God grant us the grace to be transformed daily—leaving behind all that ties us down to worldliness—and to grow in sincere and living faith.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
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