Empty

Easter Sunday

01 April 2018

First reading                                                                       Acts 10:34, 37-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Second reading                                                        Colossians 3:1-4

Brothers and sisters, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Gospel                                                                     John 20:1-9

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed 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.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus” head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who 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. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Reflection

By Edgardo Tulabut

Empty. Though this word may imply some deeper positive meanings, in most cases, it is associated with things negative.

An empty stomach is something we do not want to feel. I know some friends who turn into beast mode when they’re in this situation. Much more, we certainly do not want to have empty pockets or an empty bank account. Empty seats at an event are certainly not a wonderful sight to behold for an event organizer.  And for sure when we were younger we did not want empty socks on Christmas mornings.

A deeper negative definition of empty, as in emptiness, is something we might not want to experience.

Yet there are positive meanings of the word empty. Some people empty their pockets in giving to others and in offering to the Lord. Others empty their cups to be refilled. Yet others empty their minds to be able to absorb new learning.

Today’s use of the word empty in our Gospel readings (yes we have three alternative Gospel readings for today) is a very positive one – something that should have been anticipated by those who first witnessed it, had they only understood what Jesus foretold them to happen. I am of course referring to the empty tomb.

The empty tomb of Jesus is an indication that the Lord has risen. No, it’s not even an empty cross that would signify that Jesus rose from the dead; but an empty tomb.  And Jesus’ resurrection is the fulfillment of Christ saving humankind from sin and opening heavens for the faithful.

But an empty tomb would not be possible without Christ emptying Himself from all His godly majesty and humbling Himself by becoming man and suffering a gruesome death. All these He did out of His love for us so that one day we may be reunited with Him in eternity. And all these He did, not when we are His good followers, but while we were still sinners.

I know we are supposed to be on a happy mood on Easter, of course. But I just want us to reflect: What can we empty ourselves from to love back Jesus who emptied Himself and suffered the punishment of sinners so that we could attain salvation? 

Happy Easter everyone!

Prayer

Thank You Jesus for loving me despite my sins.  Nothing can compare to Your taking my place on the cross. May the things that I do as an expression of my love for You be pleasing to You and glorify Your name – the most beautiful name of all. Amen.