The Empty Tomb — Peter and John
1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”
3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
4 They both ran,but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths* there,
7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths
but rolled up in a separate placed
8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
9 For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
A REFLECTION
The Resurrection stories in the Gospels are all wonderful! Read and reread them this week. Here are two of my favorites – and a most beautiful Philippine tradition – read all the stories.
Luke 24. 13 – 35
Salubong – Traditional Philippine celebration as the two statues carried in procession meet in the front of the church very early Easter morning.
(The first meditation for the Fourth Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius)
MY PRAYER
A time to be there at the tomb with the others – up to this point no one has experienced the risen Lord – they just see the empty tomb –
it was only later, after all had gone, as Mary Magdalene sat sobbing the Jesus showed himself to her. She was overjoyed – she grabbed him! I wonder what he felt, what she felt? GREAT JOY!
And now, my time to be with the Risen Jesus –
There are many Easter stories – today’s Gospel and two of my favorites above –
- as much as possible, put yourself in a quiet disposition a quiet and comfortable place
- know that God is with you and you wi
- we ask for the grace of the Fourth Week of the Spiritual Exercises –
Father, give to us the joy and the peace that your Risen Son gave to his followers –
- Imagine yourself there with the group discussing what happened to the body of Jesus
- What would you hear? What would you say?
- And if you stay behind with Mary –
Jesus, please give me a portion of that happiness that you gave to Mary
- Imagine yourself at that table with Jesus and the two followers in Emmaus
- It was their invitation “Stay with us . . . “ that brought Jesus to the table
Jesus, stay with me, stay with me
Lastly, consider how I can bring joy and peace – and blessings – to others
How do I accomplish this? By what I think, by what I say, and by what I do –
- Jesus, by my faith that you are raised from the dead –
- Give to me the grace to bring joy and peace and blessings to others –
Our mantra
Alleluia! Jesus is risen from the dead –
He is our life and resurrection! Alleluia!
