Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9 

 

He had to rise from the dead.

 

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.

 

Saint's Words:
For by the sacrifice of His own body He did two things: He put an end to the law of death which barred our way; and He made a new beginning of life for us, by giving us the hope of resurrection.

--Athanasius, On the Incarnation

Prayer:
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. The first Christians recognised the signs and wonders of their day. Help me to see your guiding hand each day. Reveal your risen presence to me as you come to me in Holy Communion. Let my heart burn with love for you as you speak to me in the scriptures. Keep alive in me the joy of this season that always and everywhere the Easter alleluia may arise as a hymn of glory to Your name. Amen.

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