Sitting with the Sacred

Readings for the Resurrection of the Lord:

All in one place (well, almost):

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042025.cfm

In the context of each Bible book:

1. Acts 10:34a, 37-43
2. Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
3. Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
4. John 20:1-9
5. See also John 20:11-18

What stands out to me from this week’s readings:

Peter refers to himself as one of the few people chosen in advance to be witnesses to all Jesus did in his earthly life and after His resurrection. These few witnesses have been given the responsibility and the grace to “bear witness that everyone who believes in [Christ] will receive forgiveness through his name” (Acts 10:43).

“‘[The Lord’s] mercy endures forever'” (Psalm 118:2-4).

There are two choices of epistle readings. The second option tells us to “clear out the old yeast… of malice and wickedness” and “celebrate the feast” … with the unleavened bread sincerity and truth (1 Cor. 5:7-8).

In the gospel passage we’re given for Easter Sunday, Mary of Magdala doesn’t yet understand that Jesus is risen. She tells the disciples, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we (the women who went to pay their respects at the tomb) or they put him” (John 20:2).

In response, Peter and another disciple run to the tomb, and the disciple who is not Peter gets there first, yet Peter goes into the tomb first. He sees the burial cloths but not the body of Jesus. We aren’t told much about what he makes of this discovery. We are told that the other disciple sees the burial cloths, which are apparently neatly set aside separately from each other, and believes. What the disciple believes we aren’t told. I find the question of what he believes even more perplexing because of the last sentence: “For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9).

What I’m saying (about the readings and beyond) this week:

So if you’re wrestling with doubt and/or confusion this Easter, you’re in the company of more than one disciple.

If you’ve arrived at this Easter and are still clear[ing] out the old yeast of sins, habits and wounds, the second option for the epistle is a reminder that the journey to union with Christ and the members of his body is a lifelong one. It doesn’t end this Easter. Otherwise, we wouldn’t need the exhortation to “[c]lear out the old yeast” (1 Cor. 5:7).

If you’re bothered because the first reading refers to “witnesses chosen by God,” but the disciples in the Gospel passage for Easter Mass during the day don’t see the risen Lord, you’re not alone. I’m with you (Acts 10:41).

Now right after the Gospel excerpt for that Mass ends, Mary of Magdala does see and speak with Jesus, who is risen. The passage that describes this encounter is my favorite in the Bible. It’s more detailed than many passages. It’s easier with this passage than with many others to use my imagination to engage all five senses in the scene it describes. For me, it conveys confusion, grief, tenderness, and intimacy in a way that few other Gospel passages do. In the Gospel of John, it’s because of, or at least after, this encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene that other disciples become chosen witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. That’s why, although this encounter isn’t included in the lectionary until the Tuesday after Easter, I’ve linked to it at the top of this post. Several years ago, I also wrote this short story based on the passage.

What someone else is sharing about this week’s readings:

Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns offers her own celebration of Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus. She powerfully conveys the importance of this love in salvation history. I was particularly inspired by her reflections on the ways Mary expresses this love in the days leading up to the resurrection.

This week’s prayer:

Lord, help us to live in ways that reflect that You live and are with us in every circumstance of our lives. May our lives bring this truth to all of creation. Amen.

Works cited:

“Tuesday in the Octave of Easter” — Lectionary: 42.” Daily Readings, Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 2nd typical ed, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2025, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042025.cfm.

“The Resurrection of the Lord: The Mass of Easter Day”— Lectionary: 262.” Daily Readings, Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 2nd typical ed, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2025, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042225.cfm.