The Resurrection of the Lord
The Mass of Easter Day
Acts 10:34A, 37-43 - Psalms 118:1-2,16-17, 22-23 - Col. 3:14 - Jn.20:1-9
“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection,
not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”
- Martin Luther
Spring is now writing its story as the leaves unfurl from winter bare branches, flowers reveal their God-made glory, and the birds fill the air with song.
On this glorious morning of Easter we see divine light shining through Church windows and washing over wooden pews as flowers appear lush in their beauty and simplicity in every corner as they join our raised voices, singing praises to our risen Lord. Our hearts are overflowing with love and filled with gratitude as we receive yearly the gift of the Resurrection, which brings new life to each of us.
From the beautiful Easter Sequence, we also want to know:
“Tell us Mary: Say what thou didst see upon the way.
The tomb the living did enclose; shroud with grave-
clothes resting, Christ, my Hope, has risen”.
He goes before you into Galilee”.
Mary Magdalene is significant in the Gospel of John 20:1-9. The Evangelist wrote extensively of her. Who was she?
She went to the tomb that day with great love to be with the body of Jesus. Instead, she was to become the first person Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection. She was the one to run to tell the Apostles of Jesus’ rising from the dead. Some texts, such as the “Dialogue of the Savior,” among others, portrays her as Jesus’ closest and most beloved disciple and the only one who truly understood His teachings. She was the Apostle to the Apostles. She was a hairdresser and considered wealthy. In paintings, she is portayed as holding a red egg, the symbol of the Resurrection.
In these writings, it is fitting that I recall Mary Magdalene on that First Easter Morn. She had the unique role of being the first to preach the “Good News” of that miracle to the Apostles. Because of her preaching, she is a patron of the Dominican Order of Preachers. She was given to St. Catherine of Siena as a second Mother in a vision, and there is a famous painting of her with Catherine, Dominic and the Virgin Mary.
“That Christ is truly risen from the dead we know.
Victorious King. Thy mercy show. Amen. Alleluia.”
Sr. Bridget Mary Troy, OP