The Heartbeat of Easter

   

The Resurrection of the Lord

20 April 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9

Reflection

By: Therese B. Manio

The Gospel of Easter Sunday tells a story that is both beautiful and mysterious. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb while it is still dark, only to find the stone rolled away. Peter and the beloved disciple come running, and though they don’t fully understand, they begin to believe. It’s a moment full of uncertainty, questions, and wonder but more than anything, it’s full of hope.

That same hope speaks to us today. Like those first followers of Jesus, we often walk through darkness, moments of grief, confusion, or waiting. Life throws challenges we don’t always understand. But just like the stone was already rolled away, God is already at work in our lives, even before we see it. The empty tomb isn’t just a part of the story—it’s a promise.

At first glance, Jesus dying on the cross might seem like a defeat. But it wasn’t. It was a victory, just not the kind the world expected. Jesus didn’t conquer with force. He overcame sin and death through forgiveness, mercy, and love. His Resurrection proved that love is stronger than hate, and hope is more powerful than fear. It wasn’t just about Jesus coming back to life, it was about all of us being given a chance at new life.

The Resurrection reminds us we are never truly alone. Jesus went through real pain, rejection, and fear. He knows what suffering feels like. But He also shows us that no pain, no failure, and no moment of darkness has the final word. There’s always more to the story. There’s always hope. God allowed Jesus to die and rise again so we could experience this hope for ourselves. He transforms what’s broken, makes new what was lost, and brings life where there seemed to be none. Every cross we carry can lead to a resurrection. That’s the core of our faith and the heartbeat of Easter.

In this Jubilee Year, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that this journey isn’t just about us receiving hope, it’s about becoming hope for others. The world is full of people searching, grieving, or feeling stuck in the dark. We’re called to be like the beloved disciple who saw the signs and believed. We’re called to be like Mary, who ran to tell others: “I have seen the Lord.” Being an instrument of hope doesn’t always mean doing something huge. It could be listening to someone who’s hurting, offering kindness, or simply being there when someone needs you. In these small, quiet ways, we become living signs of the Resurrection.

As we walk through this Jubilee year together, may we carry the light of Easter in our hearts. Let us move forward with hope, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we meet. Because Christ is risen, and in Him, so is our hope.

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for the gift of Your love that conquers death and brings us everlasting hope. Help us to walk as true pilgrims of hope, carrying Your light into the lives of those around us. Give us the courage to believe, even in the darkness, and the grace to be signs of Your resurrection every day. Amen.