Month: April 2020

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Divine Mercy Sunday 2020

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Second Sunday of Easter / Sunday of Divine Mercy Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041920.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! Today on this second Sunday during the octave of Easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that all about? And what’s all this octave of Eater talk?

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Octave means eight. We count the eight days of Easter beginning on Easter Sunday until the following Sunday. This practice started early in the history of the church. The “eighth day” became another name for Sunday, the day we celebrate the resurrection. While we don’t commonly refer to every Sunday as “the eighth day”, we do treat every Sunday as Easter Sunday. That’s why during Lent, Sundays aren’t counted as a day of Lent. Ok, now that the basics are out of the way, let’s jump into the readings in the light of Divine Mercy.

If you’ve been keeping up with the daily readings since last Sunday, you’ll know that Jesus has already appeared three times to the disciples. As we read these accounts, we journey with the first disciples in the days and weeks following the Lord’s resurrection. Our first reading from Acts helps to paint that picture for us. Now, put yourself in their position for a few minutes.

Everyday that passes, the disciples slowly come to understand what Jesus is teaching them. Jesus is the Savior foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus buys salvation to heal the wrong of Original Sin with His own blood. The full weight of the undeserved and unmerited sacrifice – God’s only begotten Son – demonstrates the full extent of God’s mercy.

What an incredible sacrifice Jesus made for you and for me – His beloved! That’s what we find in or second reading from First Peter. His mercy gives us hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:3). So, on this eighth day, we pause to acknowledge the immensity of God’s mercy. But this reading also speaks for trials we might endure to prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Let’s look at that in the light of the Gospel.

In today’s Gospel, we find the familiar story of Thomas who refused to believe unless he could touch Jesus’ wounds. Thomas need proof or he says he will not believe, (John 20:25). Isn’t it easy to observe what happens in Scripture in a detached sort of way? For example, isn’t it easy to shake your head, giggle and say, “Poor doubting Thomas.” But I think there’s more to this Scripture passage.

For example, how would you describe your faith life before COVID-19? I don’t mean what you used to do, but what you believed. What does Christian faith mean to you? Is it just a moral philosophy – lessons about how to be good and get along with other people? I mean, that’s not bad in itself, but Christian faith is so much more than that.

The Christianity we find in Scripture and tradition teaches repentance, self-sacrificial love, and purity of heart. It commends joining our suffering to Jesus – carry your cross to follow the Way of the Cross – as the path to God.

I know that for many of us, “staying home” doesn’t necessarily mean we have had loads of time to contemplate the meaning of life, the universe and everything, but hopefully we’ve all slowed down a little. I encourage you to use the opportunity to explore your own faith. Are you like the Peter and the other disciples in Acts who boldly profess salvation in the name of Jesus Christ? Or are you more like Thomas who believes only to a certain point, but when push comes to shove, you got to have proof?

God’s mercy and salvation is available to all believers. But if you don’t believe, if you don’t really believe that Jesus really walked among us, taught and healed, was tortured, crucified and died and then rose from the dead, then are you really a believer? This is wildly important because in Revelation 3:16, Jesus warns that like a beverage that is neither hot nor cold but lukewarm, he will spit us out. Now is the time to recommit yourself to Jesus Christ before life starts to return to “normal”. Now, on this Sunday of Divine Mercy, is the time to open your heart to Jesus Christ. If you don’t have access to a priest or the mass, then ask forgiveness, and make an act of spiritual communion. Say it. Mean it. And from now on, walk the walk.

Homework! I ask you to reflect on the following two questions this week.

  1. In the Gospel we heard, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” What are the obstacles to my belief? How can I help others overcome their doubts?
  2. We also heard, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” How is my faith a blessing to me and my family? How can I accompany those who are skeptical?

I think doing our homework will help us live as Christians resolute in our faith. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

References:
1. Keating, Daniel. First and Second Peter, Jude. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
2. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
3. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
4. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
5. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Faith and assurance, 163
2. Appearances of the risen Jesus, 448, 641-46
3. Resurrection of Jesus, 651-55
4. Eschatology, 673-74
5. The Holy Spirit and the Church, 737-41
6. Apostles’ teaching, 857
7. Communal life, 949-53
8. Sanctifying presence of the risen Christ in the liturgy, 1084-89
9. Breaking of bread, 1329, 1342
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sins, 1441-42
11. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, 1461-67
12. Our new birth in the Resurrection of Christ, 1988 (also 654-55)
13. Christian spirituality, 2013-16
14. The Sunday Eucharist, 2177-78 (also 1342)
Prayer, 2624-25
15. Blessing, 2626-27
16. Communion of spiritual goods, 2790 (also 949-53, 1329, 2624)

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041920.cfm
Lectionary: 43

First Reading
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Responsorial
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
R. (1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Alleluia
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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ATC 12 Prostration on Good Friday

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Pope Benedict XVI said, “I shall never forget lying on the ground at the time of my own priestly and episcopal ordination… The fact that the praying Church was calling upon all the saints, that the prayer of the Church really was enveloping and embracing me, was a wonderful consolation.”

He is RISEN! Alleluia! Thank you for joining me for All Things Catholic on this Wednesday within the Octave of Easter. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we are going to explore what it means to be Catholic. Someone asked a question about something they saw on Good Friday that I did not address. They were watching their parish’s Good Friday service and they noticed something. At the start of the service, the priest and the deacon prostrated themselves before the altar. What’s that all about?

I’m so glad you asked! If you have a question you’d like me to address, please use the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

Ok, so why do bishops, priests and deacons prostrate themselves on Good Friday? Well, to answer that question we need to go back to ordination, although this is also true in the consecration of men and women as monks/brothers or nuns/sisters.

Various church documents describe prostration as the ultimate act of humility. Indeed, Scripture describes lying prostrate before the Lord as a position of deep, intense, emotional prayer. Moses lay prostrate before God for 40 days and nights (Deuteronomy 9:18-20, 25-27). Jesus lay prostrate in Gethsemane when he prayed that the cup might pass him (Matthew 26:39).

In a similar way, that time before ordination or consecration is a time of intense, humble prayer. When we lay down, we die to ourselves so that we may rise a new. After ordination or consecration, about the only time most of us will see prostration is at the beginning of the Good Friday service. Although just so you know, if a priest or deacon are unable to safely prostrate themselves, they are permitted to kneel, but prostration is preferred.

At Good Friday, the act of prostration is first and foremost an act of humility. Not unlike who David who lay prostrate before the Angel of the Lord for his sin (1 Chronicles 21:16-17), when the bishop, priest and deacon lay prostrate on Good Friday, it is an expression of the profound grief and sorrow of the Church (that means on all of our behalf) for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Now we’ve already said a couple of times that lying prostrate is an act of humility. What does that mean exactly? Well, the Church teaches that humility is a virtue that enables us to see ourselves as we truly are and to be in touch with this reality as we contribute to what God is doing in the world. Does that mean that bishops, priests and deacons have it more together than everyone else?

No, I don’t think so except maybe in this one way. When we clergy as disciples lay prostrate, we acknowledge that we have given our lives to Jesus Christ. Our act is symbolic of us laying everything down for the Kingdom – and I mean everything. We remind ourselves that everything we are and everything we have is a blessing meant to serve Jesus Christ, His Church, and the people of God – including our very lives. Our story as a people of faith is filled with the stories of martyrs, some clergy and some lay, who freely surrendered everything for the sake of discipleship. That was true then, and it is true now.

Ok, now that we’ve discussed what prostration is from its biblical roots to Church teaching and to the effect it has on the clergy, I’d like to briefly explore what this means in our (all of our) everyday lives. To do that, I’d like to share one of the many COVID-19 stories being shared out there.

It’s about Fr. Jorge Ortiz-Garay of St. Brigid’s in Brooklyn. He was a charismatic and pastoral priest. He served a predominately blue-collar neighborhood. It was not uncommon to see him out on Ash Wednesday walking the streets bringing ashes to the mechanics and other workers who couldn’t get off work to come to mass. I know that some people frown at the idea of drive-thru ashes, but Fr. Jorge wanted everyone to feel connected to the community. He also wanted to send every hardworking person a clear message that Holy Mother Church did not forget them.

Father suffered from bronchitis, so he was not concerned when started feeling a little sick. But he kept on working. In his virtual mass on March 19th, he looked into the camera and said, “There’s no better time than this time of trials, this time of challenges, to fulfill our call to holiness. At these moments of trial and crisis, at these times when maybe we are asking what will happen to us, trust in the Father.”

Not long after, he asked Fr. Joseph Dutan, the junior priest in the rectory, to drive him to Wyckoff Hospital. Fr. Joseph urged Fr. Jorge to fight. He said, “Don’t worry, I am happy. I am not scared because I know the Lord is with me.” Fr. Jorge died on March 27 at the age of 49. He was the first priest in the United States to die of COVID-19.

Fr. Jorge was at higher risk because as a priest he was in a people-facing job and because of his history of bronchitis, but that didn’t scare him. Don’t get me wrong – he clearly took some reasonable precautions like implementing virtual masses, but unlike some people I’ve visited with who are afraid, he didn’t allow the virus to scare him. There’s a lesson there for all of us.

When the clergy prostrate themselves, it’s not just for their own sake. Each and every one of us is drawn into that act of humility. We are all reminded that, like Fr. Jorge, we have nothing to fear because as disciples, the Lord walks with us. If we believe – I mean if we really believe that we have been saved and renewed by the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side, then how can we be afraid to die? Maybe it’s not death that scares some, but all the unfinished business before us.

This pandemic should give all of us pause. Not only should it encourage us to rethink our priorities, but it should also remind us that there is no better time than the present to set our life in order. Think of all the people around the world who have had to die alone. Now is the time to reach out and say, “I’m sorry,” or “I forgive you,” and “I love you.” While I don’t normally assign homework on Wednesdays, if there is some unfinished business, then I encourage you to get to it. Don’t wait until next Good Friday when you see the priest and deacon prostrate themselves to say to yourself, “Oops! I forgot something!”

Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to All Things Catholic. I hope you enjoyed today’s show where we discussed prostration from its biblical roots to Church teaching to the effect it has on the clergy and what it means to all of us in the pews. If you have a question you’d like me to discuss, please use the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

This episode was produced by deacon rudy’s notes. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join us again next time and don’t forget to check out the weekend edition where we break open the Word. He is RISEN! Alleluia!

Notes:
<1> Congregation for Divine Worship. Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts. Vatican.va. 1988.
<2> Roman Missal, Study Edition. “Holy Week.” Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2011.
<3> The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

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He is Risen!

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Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Mass Readings
First Reading: Acts 10:34A, 37-43
Responsorial: 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

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041220.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! Isn’t today’s Gospel account from John interesting? Mary Magdala went to the tomb. Why? If she believed that Jesus would rise from the dead, why would she visit the tomb to anoint his dead body? When she finds the tomb empty, she runs to tell Peter and some of the disciples. They run to the tomb. Why are they running?

Wait, wait! Why did she have to go find Peter and the disciples? If they were waiting for his return, why weren’t they camped out in front of the tomb entrance? Did they not believe that Jesus was going to rise on the third day?

Whatever the case, once they arrived at the tomb, their lives were transformed! We see in the first reading from Acts that Peter was out preaching and testifying about Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus and his encounters with the risen Jesus forever changed.

This year, these readings hit me in a profound way. We’ve all been affected by COVID-19, and so many of us have experienced this profound isolation. I’ve been so moved by the prayer chains and incredible videos of choirs performing from their homes, inspiring acts selflessness and service. Is this faith rediscovered or is this just a fad?

Despite the virus, so many of us continue to work from home and in some small way, life seems relatively normal. But in other ways life is a different now – maybe a little slower – I don’t know, but things have changed. This is truly the strangest Easter most of us have ever experienced. Yes, there have been some challenges for a lot of us too. But how many of us have thought about how many things distract us from getting anything done – all the B.S. in the pre-COVID-19 world that we did but that had no value or meaning. For example, I’ve been floored by people’s stories of loved ones who have had to pass away alone during this time and by small numbers allowed to attend funerals.

I wonder, is this experience of self-isolation or quarantine or whatever we’re calling it, has this been our empty tomb moment? Many of us were believers before, but maybe this experience of isolation is like us running to the tomb to find that yes indeed, He is risen! Praise God! Alleluia!

So, as governments begin to consider relaxing restrictions, are we beginning to re-evaluate our priorities? Will we allow ourselves to get caught up again by all the pointless busyness of this world, or will we try to maintain a better a balance with Jesus Christ at the center?

Look, the question for each one of is, do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus was really born, suffered and died and rose from the dead for our salvation? Do you believe that Jesus left us this incredible church which is the fullness of the life Christ wanted for us? Do you believe, I mean do you really believe that we can encounter the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist?

If the answer is yes, then this is a good time to think about how we will live our lives after COVID-19. Let this Easter be the moment when we recommit ourselves to our baptismal promises and put Jesus in the center of our lives. And may we have the renewed sense of courage to share our faith with those we encounter.

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and by Spiritual Communion, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions during this first week of Easter.

  1. Recall from Gospel that Jesus was not in the tomb. How confident am I in my faith? What encourages me in times of doubt?
  2. In the Gospel, they went away from the tomb, fearful and overjoyed. What fears and concerns keep me from sharing my faith? When have I found great joy in sharing my faith?

I think that doing our homework will help us recommit our discipleship in service to Jesus and the people of God. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

References:
1. Hamm, Dennis. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
2. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
3. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
4. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
5. Montague, George T. First Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
6. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Salvation outside the Church, 776, 846-48
2. Jesus anointed by the Spirit, 438, 486
3. Paschal mystery, 571-72
4. Jesus and Pharisees, 575
5. Jesus as paschal lamb, 608
6. The Resurrection of Christ and our resurrection, 638-55, 989, 1001-02,
7. The empty tomb, 640
8. Jesus’ resurrection as a transcendent event, 647
9. Easter, the Lord’s Day, 647, 1167-70, 1243, 1287
10. Judge of the living and dead, 678-79
11. Feast of Passover, 1164
12. The Sacraments of Initiation, 1212
13. Baptism, 1214-22, 1226-28, 1234-45, 1254
14. Confirmation, 1286-89
15. Eucharist, 1322-23

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041220.cfm
Lectionary: 42

First Reading
Acts 10:34A, 37-43
Peter proceeded to speak and said:
“You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
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.”

Responsorial
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.
R. (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
Colossians 3:1-4
Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

Or 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8
Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?
Clear out the old yeast,
so that you may become a fresh batch of dough,
inasmuch as you are unleavened.
For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness,
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia CF. 1 Corinthians 5:7B-8A
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;
let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:1-9
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.
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.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.