Tag: Christian

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Third Sunday of Easter

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Mass readings

Reading 1: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Responsorial: Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-9
Reading 2: 1 John 2:1-5a
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041821.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song! Blessings to you on this Third Sunday of Easter! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and I’m so glad you’re here! Together, let’s break open the Word!

You know, I heard this beautiful image on the “Pray As You Go” app as I prepared for this homily. For those of you who don’t know, “Pray As You Go” is a free app produced by the Jesuits in the UK, and it’s excellent! It’s a wonderful example of Jesuit meditation. So often, as part of the Jesuit contemplative experience, we’re asked some thought-provoking questions and invited to see ourselves in the Scripture passage. This rich technique tries to help us grasp God’s meaning from a variety of different perspectives. I love the app, and I use it regularly.

The image they introduce is the contrast between standing in the shadow of the cross or standing in the light of the Resurrection. It’s a powerfully helpful image! <1>

Why would someone prefer to stand in the shadow of the cross?

Maybe we feel trapped by the scandal of the cross – the horror of sin, like bearing false witness, that lead to the murder of Jesus. Maybe we’re trapped by our sin. Maybe we feel so ashamed by Jesus’ sacrifice for us because of our sin. Or maybe we’re more comfortable in the shadows. We happy with the status quo, and we’re not very interested in the risk of opening up old wounds.

My brothers and sisters, I have good news! We are an Easter people! We don’t hide in the shadow of the cross. No! We bask in the light of Resurrection – in the light of the risen Christ Jesus!

But faith in Jesus is more than just words or pious actions. Basking in the light of the Resurrection means that we live a life in Christ Jesus. That means we need to be transformed! If you believe – I mean if you really believe in all of it – the Incarnation, the life of Jesus, the brutal death and resurrection, the Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit – I mean if you believe all of it – then it should change you! It should change me! That change should be visible in our lives!

What does that transformation look like?

Well, in our second reading, John tells us, “The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).

Ok, before we go on, it’s important to understand the biblical meaning of the phrase “to know.” “To know” means more than just understanding information or some piece of factual data. In the Bible, “to know” “includes an experiential and relational dimension.” Let’s consider a few examples. “When Pharaoh says to Moses, ‘I do not know the Lord’ (Exodus 5:2), he is not saying that he has never heard about the God of Israel, but that he does not acknowledge him as God and will not yield to his demands. When we hear that Samuel ‘did not yet know the Lord’ (1 Samuel 3:7 NRSV),” this means that Samuel had “not yet heard the Lord speak to him personally.” “When Jesus says to those who refuse to obey his word, ‘I never knew you’ (Matthew 7:23)” this doesn’t mean that Jesus didn’t know who they were, but that “they are not in a good relationship with him.” And finally, “in 1 John, “to know God” is to be in a right relationship with him and to know him personally through the indwelling Spirit.” <2>

That’s why John goes on to say in our second reading, “Those who say, ‘I know him,’ but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them’” (1 John 2:4).

Ok, keeping the commandments is a good start. But what is the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us? “Jesus gave one commandment but said it in two ways. To love God completely and to love one’s neighbor as oneself are one and the same thing.” <3>

How do we do that? How do we love our neighbor as we love ourselves? Well, at minimum, that requires vigilance! The daily examen, for example, is an excellent exercise to help keep us on point. But we do not face the challenge alone or ill-equipped! No! Just as Jesus told us, we have the Holy Spirit to help us. God also blessed each of us with gifts and infused our very being with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love or charity, giving life to the cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance.

Is it easy? If it were easy, this world would be a much different place. That’s why John, in his letters, talks so much about sin. But wait! I have more good news! Jesus left us His church and invested the Church with the sacraments. One of the blessings of the Mass and the sacraments is to help us face an increasingly hostile world – at least toward Christians. We are nourished and strengthened by the Word of God and the Eucharist. And the stories about the lives of the saints and the sheer breadth of spiritual writing available to us can help us learn more about what it means to be a disciple.

Together with the help of our pastors and spiritual directors, we can keep tabs on our spiritual growth. You see, following Jesus’ commandment like John talks about in our second reading means living a life transformed by Jesus. In other words, it means living a life of love. How do we know this transformation is happening? People around us should see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives and our actions: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

And as disciples who are using the gifts God gave us, growing in virtue and bearing fruit, we are sent out into the world as our Gospel from Luke says, to share the Good News of Jesus! “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47).

Homework! Basking in the light of the risen Christ, I invite you to reflect on the following questions. To know Jesus is to be in relationship with Jesus. First, what steps am I taking to deepen my relationship with Jesus? Second, how can I help support my pastor to help the community grow in virtue?

I think doing our homework can help focus our growth as disciples. 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 deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. 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 Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Third Sunday of Easter. Artist Unknown. JPG.

Notes:
<1> https://pray-as-you-go.org/player/prayer/2021-04-18
<2> Kelly Anderson and Daniel Keating, 156.
<3> Michael Himes, Chapter Three Incarnation. Kindle.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Anderson, Kelly and Daniel Keating. James, First, Second, and Third John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
2. Gadenz, Pablo T. The Gospel of Luke. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2018. Kindle.
3. Himes, Michael. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004. Kindle.
4. Kurz, William S. SJ. Acts of the Apostles. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Christ the key to interpreting all Scripture: 102, 426-29, 601, 2763
2. Jesus reveals and fulfills Scripture: 108, 112, 572, 60, 652, 702, 2625, 2763
3. The name of Jesus: 430-35, 266
4. Jesus as our advocate: 519, 662, 692, 1137
5. Culpability for Jesus’ death: 591, 597-98
6. Jesus’ death in God’s plan: 599-601
7. Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of the world: 605-6
8. The third day: 627
9. Jesus appears to the disciples: 641
10. The apostles and disciples as witnesses of the Resurrection: 642-44, 857, 995-96
11. The disciples’ disbelief: 644
12. Forgiveness of sins: 981
13. Jesus’ risen body: 645, 999
14. Jesus’ second coming: 673-74
15. The Church’s mission: 730, 1120, 1122
16. The Church and Jews: 839-40
17. Witness in confirmation by the Spirit’s power: 1304
18. The Eucharist and the experience of the disciples at Emmaus: 1346-47
19. Love of God in us: 1424, 1822, 1974, 2067
20. Keeping the commandments: 2052-55
21. Living the way Jesus lived: 2470

Third Sunday of Easter https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041821.cfm
Lectionary: 47

Reading 1
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Peter said to the people:
“The God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,
the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus,
whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence
when he had decided to release him.
You denied the Holy and Righteous One
and asked that a murderer be released to you.
The author of life you put to death,
but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.
Now I know, brothers,
that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;
but God has thus brought to fulfillment
what he had announced beforehand
through the mouth of all the prophets,
that his Christ would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”

Responsorial
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
Or R. Alleluia.
When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Or R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Or R. Alleluia.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Or R. Alleluia.
As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep,
for you alone, O LORD,
bring security to my dwelling.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Or R. Alleluia.

Reading 2
1 John 2:1-5a
My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep
his commandments.
Those who say, “I know him,” but do not keep his commandments
are liars, and the truth is not in them.
But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.

Alleluia
Cf. Luke 24:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us;
make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way,
and how Jesus was made known to them
in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this,
he stood in their midst and said to them,
“Peace be with you.”
But they were startled and terrified
and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled?
And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones
as you can see I have.”
And as he said this,
he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed,
he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
They gave him a piece of baked fish;
he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them,
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you,
that everything written about me in the law of Moses
and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
And he said to them,
“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,
would be preached in his name
to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.”

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Second Sunday of Easter

picture of statue of Jesus with arms out on top of mountain surrounded by clouds

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Responsorial: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
Gospel: John 20:19-31

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041121.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal and I’m so glad you’re here to share this second Sunday of Easter with me as we break open the Word!

Whoa! As usual, Holy Mother Church gave us so much in these three readings today. We’re going to focus on the Gospel, but even that is packed with so much Good News there’s no way we could possibly do it justice. But let’s start with the idea of church.

There are many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who, for whatever reason, choose not to affiliate with or go to church – any church. People may have all sorts of reasons for not wanting to affiliate or go to church. But there are many reasons why it’s important for us to come together as a community. We’ve discussed the idea about the sacramental principle before.

The Church teaches us that if God is everywhere, then all time and all space is holy. But we can take this for granted. So, based on Scripture, the Church teaches us that we need to set time aside and come together as a community to praise and worship God. <1> So, the sacramental principle is one reason why we come together as church.

But there is another reason why we need to come together as church. Actually, it’s probably one of the first reasons we come to church.

At it’s core, what is Christianity? Christianity is a report – a Gospel – Good News. News requires that someone brings us the news. <2> St. Paul didn’t go up to each person individually and say, “Hey, have you heard the Good News?” No, St. Paul brought the Good News to a community and the letters he wrote were intended for the benefit of the community. And each of those communities, like all disciples, are charged with passing on the Good News – sharing it with others.

The spiritual life is not a solitary journey. We are on a pilgrimage – a trip we share in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why when Mass begins, the celebrant, praying the words of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:13). The word “communion” is a translation of the Greek word koinonia. The basic meaning of koinonia means “sharing in things.” That really points to our first reading from Acts. We could spend the better part of an hour (or a semester) digging into the mutual sharing described in Acts, Christian ethics, and the world of business.

But let’s get back to the Gospel. We exist today as a Christian people – as a community – because someone somewhere at some time brought us the Good News. I suggest to you that people who entered the church through RCIA can identify with that idea perhaps more easily than those of us born into the community. The message of Jesus Christ can never die as long as there are people who, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, pass on the Good News to others.

Today’s Gospel account from John tells us about two miraculous appearances of Jesus to the disciples in, both instances, while in locked rooms. Jesus says to the disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 19:21). That message is not reserved to the twelve. Our bishops who are the apostles today, can’t do it alone. The church teaches us that Jesus sends all disciples – all of us – out to share the Good News!

The beatitude we hear in today’s Gospel, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” is what faith is all about (John 19:29). Indeed, John tells us that “these are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (John 19:31).

Now, there are all sorts of “marks of discipleship” that we could get into, but let’s keep it simple. A disciple is someone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. A disciple seeks to grow their personal relationship with Jesus by learning more about Him. And a disciple is someone who, rooted in the community, shares the Good News with other people.

Today’s Gospel message is a reminder to all of us about our core responsibilities as disciples. We gather as a community and our koinonia or our communion “comes when Jesus Christ takes each one of us and all of us into himself in the Eucharist.” <3> Nourished by the Eucharist, we are then sent out to share the Good News. That’s why the Mass ends with the deacon, or the celebrant if there isn’t a deacon, proclaiming, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.”

Homework! As we continue to celebrate our Easter feast nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following questions. First, am I carrying my weight in my parish community? What can I do to support my parish mission? Second, if I were asked by a colleague or a family member to explain the Good News of Jesus Christ, what would I say?

I think doing our homework can help us be engaged disciples. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May we all come to know the joy of Easter and may God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. 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 Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Second Sunday of Easter. Artist Unknown. JPG.

Notes:
<1> Michael Himes, Chapter Two Grace.
<2> Himes, Chapter Five Church.
<3> Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ and Carol Atwell Ackels, 186.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Anderson, Kelly, and Daniel Keating. James, First, Second, and Third John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
2. Himes, Michael. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004. Kindle.
3. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015. Kindle.
4. Schneiders, Sandra M. Jesus Risen in Our Midst: Essays on the Resurrection of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2013. Kindle.
5. Tetlow, Joseph A., SJ and Carol Atwell Ackels. Finding Christ in the World: A Twelve Week Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts: The Institute of Jesuit Sources, 2017.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Faith: 153-62
2. Jesus as the Christ: 436
3. The appearances of the risen Christ: 448, 641-46
4. Christ’s risen humanity: 645-46
5. Saving significance of the resurrection: 651-55
6. Our new birth in the resurrection of Christ: 654-55, 1988
7. Water as type of the gift of the Spirit: 694
8. The Holy Spirit and the Church: 737-41
9. “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”: 926-84, 1441-42
10. Communion in spiritual goods: 949-53, 1329, 1342, 2624, 2790
11. Sanctifying presence of the risen Christ in the liturgy: 1084-89
12. Blood and water as types of baptism and Eucharist: 1225
13. The sacrament of Reconciliation: 1461-67
14. The Sunday Eucharist: 2177-78, 1342

Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday of Divine Mercy https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041121.cfm
Lectionary: 44

Reading 1
Acts 4:32-35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.

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.

Reading 2
1 Johnn 5:1-6
Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The Spirit is the one that testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.

Alleluia
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
Blessed are those 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 na

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Easter Vigil

entrance to the tomb

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Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter Mass Readings

Reading 1: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1, 26-31A
Responsorial: Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 or Psalm 33:4-7, 12-13, 20, 22
Reading 2: Genesis 22:1-18 or Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18
Responsorial: Psalm 16:5, 8-11
Reading 3: Exodus 14:15-15:1
Responsorial: Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18
Reading 4: Isaiah 54:5-14
Responsorial: Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Reading 5: Isaiah 55:1-11
Responsorial: Isaiah 12:2-6
Reading 6: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Responsorial: Psalm 19:8-11
Reading 7: Ezekiel 36:16-17A, 18-28
Responsorial: Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6 or Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19
Epistle: Romans 6:3-11
Responsorial: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040321.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! He is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal and I’m so glad to share this time with you as we break open the Word!

A brother deacon of mine told me recently that he has either served at or assisted with one to two funerals a week, every week for the past year. Half of those funerals were due to COVID. There is no question that this time of pandemic has been difficult for so many people regardless of whether you think things have been handled well or not. But death, I imagine, has been especially difficult. How many deaths might have been preventable if it weren’t for politics? How many people had to die alone, I wonder? And the sad truth of it is that the pandemic is not over yet.

What comfort does all the ritual of Holy Week and Easter offer those who mourn? What comfort does Easter offer? Let’s explore Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection to show how these events relate to lives of people.

Today is the Great Vigil of Easter! Now, these aren’t just some bedtime stories we tell to pass the time until Easter dinner, with tons of chocolate, and easter egg hunts. No! There’s so much more going on. As we listened to the Scriptures and we walked through the events of this most Holy Week, I invite you to stop and think about how we got here to the Easter Vigil. I mean, just last week, we celebrated Palm Sunday. And as we heard in what is typically the first reading proclaimed outside before the procession, the people yelled, “Hosanna!” (11:9), and they spread their cloaks and leafy branches on the road to make way for Jesus! (11:8). The people were cheering and applauding and celebrating! They treated him like a rock star!

Can you imagine what it must have felt like to be one of Jesus’ closest disciples as that scene unfolded? I bet excitement and joy filled the disciples at the way the crowd received their teacher! What a moment!

And then, just a few days later – they crucified him. They stripped Jesus of his dignity, and they nailed him to a cross. There he hung in the air like a criminal until he died a most torturous death.

How do you think the eleven disciples felt? We can’t be sure because they weren’t there! Where were they? They were hiding! I mean, Judas betrayed Jesus. Peter denied Jesus. Their whole world collapsed. So now what?

Just a little earlier in Mark before the reading we heard proclaimed today, Mark tells us that two women who followed Jesus in Galilee were there at the crucifixion. Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Salome. They witnessed the horror of Jesus’ death. They saw where they laid Jesus to rest. For some reason, they decided to go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Maybe they felt Joseph had rushed things Friday night. The women didn’t realize Jesus has already been “anointed beforehand for burial” by another woman the night before the Last Supper (14:3-8). <1>

Now, this is an interesting point to keep in mind as we move forward. The women – not the men – “provide … continuity between the story of Jesus’ death and burial and the story of Easter morning.” <2> Unlike the male disciples who are nowhere, these women clearly aren’t overcome with despair. They resolve to do something – one final act to honor their beloved teacher. They couldn’t anoint his body on the Sabbath, so early Sunday morning, they set out for the tomb.

Now, the Greek words that Mark uses gives us some interesting insight into this scene. When the women arrived, they looked up and saw the tomb opened. The Greek word Mark used for “looking up” could also mean “to gain sight.” <3> Why gain sight? Perhaps the women were so busy that they were blind to Jesus’ words. Just as they witnessed his death, now they bore witness to the empty tomb.

When they entered the tomb, instead of finding Jesus, they encountered a young man in white. Scholars tell us that based on various Scripture passages, we can believe that this youth was some sort of angel. <4> Jesus is not in the tomb. The youth tells the women that Jesus has risen. Scholars tell us that even the Greek verb Mark uses is passive to describe “the divine origin of the miracle.” <5>

The youth tells the women to go and tell the other disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. The women are commissioned to be the first evangelizers of the Resurrection! <6>

While this passage from Mark ends by describing the women’s fear, they told someone because the faith spread like wildfire and is with us here today. “The Gospel of Mark begins and ends with the proclamation of good news and the invitation to participate in God’s reign alive among us (1:14-15; 16:7).” <7>

Isn’t it wonderful? But this is no story.

What comfort do these events offer those who mourn their dead?

You see, for Christians, death isn’t the end of the story! Jesus was raised from the dead! Jesus overcame sin and death! Jesus’ triumph tells us, that, “The power of God is on the loose in the world, calling for our response.” <8>

As baptized Christians, we are united through Jesus with God – all of us – those who came before, those here with us now, and those yet to be born. And because we are united through Jesus, death is not the end! We are connected with our dead friends and family. And we will see them again! That’s part of the great hope of the Kingdom of God! The hope of the resurrection is felt by all believers, of course, but it’s felt in a particular way by all those who mourn. Indeed, all of the rituals of this most Holy Week affirms our hope in Christ Jesus. As we gather to mark the Great Vigil of Easter, we remember. We celebrate. And we believe!

Homework! Rejuvenated by the Easter message that we celebrate through the Word of God and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following question.
The women commissioned to announce the resurrection were ordinary people, just like most of us. How am I called to share the Good News?

Doing our homework reminds us as disciples that Easter is not just any day. It’s a reminder of our commission to go out into the world spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May we all come to know the joy of Easter and may God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Silent Partner composed our theme music. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Easter Tomb. Artist Unknown. JPG.

Notes:
<1> Mary Ann Beavis, chap. Mark 16:1-8, sec. Tracing the Narrative Flow, Kindle.
<2> Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, 352.
<3> Mary Ann Beavis, chap. Mark 16:1-8, sec. Tracing the Narrative Flow, Kindle.
<4> Mary Ann Beavis, chap. Mark 16:1-8, sec. The Messenger in the Tomb, Kindle. Also see Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, 351.
<5> Mary Ann Beavis, chap. Mark 16:1-8, sec. The Messenger in the Tomb, Kindle.
<6> Mary Ann Beavis, chap. Mark 16:1-8, sec. The Messenger in the Tomb, Kindle.
<7> Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, 355.
<8> Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, 357. Emphasis in original.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Beavis, Mary Ann. Mark. Paideia Commentary Series. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.
2. Healy, Mary. Hebrews. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
3. Hahn, Scott W. and Curtis Mitch. Romans. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
4. Ottoni-Wilhelm, Dawn. Preaching the Gospel of Mark: Proclaiming the Power of God. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2008.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Christ’s resurrection and ours: 638-58, 992-1004
2. Easter the Lord’s Day: 647, 1167-70, 1243, 1287
3. The Sacraments of Initiation: 1212
4. Baptism: 1214-22, 1226-28, 1234-45, 1254
5. Baptism – death and resurrection with Christ: 1214, 1220, 1227
6. Baptism – the sacrament of faith: 1226, 1253-54
7. Baptism – the sacrament of justification: 1266, 1992
8. Confirmation: 1286-89
9. Eucharist: 1322-23
10. The first day of the week: 2174-77

Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040321.cfm
Lectionary: 41

Gospel
Mark 16:1-7
When the sabbath was over,
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome
bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.
Very early when the sun had risen,
on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.
They were saying to one another,
“Who will roll back the stone for us
from the entrance to the tomb?”
When they looked up,
they saw that the stone had been rolled back;
it was very large.
On entering the tomb they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,
and they were utterly amazed.
He said to them, “Do not be amazed!
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Behold the place where they laid him.
But go and tell his disciples and Peter,
‘He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him, as he told you.’”