Easter Sunday Cycle C
Acts 10:34a, 37–43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3:1–4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b–8
John 20:1–9
God is good!
– All the time!
All the time!
– God is good!
This is the day the Lord has made!
– Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
– His mercy endures forever!
Many cultures throughout the world have expressions known to everyone in a family or tribe. In most languages, it is possible to say the “opening line” of such an interchange and find someone who is a “member” of your community of faith. That establishes a basis for a greater depth of communication.
All it takes is for someone to say the opening line, and others spontaneously respond. It becomes a “thing” that we do and that helps us remember who we are and what we value.
Many communities throughout the world have such greetings that are made especially for Easter.
Jesus Christ is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!
– He is risen indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Scriptures and our Catholic liturgy are rich in such expressions. Pay close attention to the readings of the Easter season and you will discover short phrases that capture what we are celebrating. Make a list, and try to establish them as a way for you and your family and friends to greet one another.
Something else that is helpful to “prepare” is your own way of telling the story of Jesus. The texts of Easter give us examples of how the first Christians shared the good news of the Resurrection of Jesus with those they encountered once the Spirit inspired them to do so.
Peter proclaimed simply and boldly: “This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
“He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The two disciples who returned to Jerusalem after their journey to Emmaus received the simple proclamation that is the source of our Easter greeting: “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”
We are witnesses to the Resurrection. Our experience of the risen Lord is unique, no two having exactly the same story to tell. When we share our enthusiasm and express our faith in simple terms, we invite others to seek Him. Even if, at first, they find only the truth of the empty tomb, they will be invited to seek the Living One and be found by Him.
In our day, we cannot be sure that anyone we meet has heard the story of Jesus in a convincing way. Many know the basic story, but they have either never seen it truly lived or their wounds have led them to doubt or unbelief. Our joy must be shared and shared again.
Keep in mind that Easter is a season that lasts 50 days – all the way to Pentecost. It is the season of the Holy Spirit. May we feast with joy and zeal, building on the 40 days we have journeyed through Lent, with our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May we greet all around us with the good news of salvation and the promise of eternal life through the risen Lord.