Reflection for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

by Kris Lanik, Notre Dame Associate

The Gospel reading begins with the Easter experience of Mary Magdalene.  In spite of the trauma of having witnessed the crucifixion of the Lord whom she loved so much, she didn’t focus on herself.  She didn’t focus on her own sense of loss.  Instead, she remained focused on Him.  She went back to the tomb in the darkness of early morning to be with Him.

Once she realized the tomb was empty, she ran back to the disciples.  “They have taken the Lord, and I don’t know where they have put him.”  Without hesitation, they ran to see for themselves.

Peter and John listened to Christ’s teachings for three years, saw His miracles, and viewed His death from a distance out of fear for their own lives. Now they had the opportunity to experience the miracle of His resurrection.  They, like Mary Magdalene, were filled with devotion.

We are called to this same devotion to our Lord, to be equally determined to remain near to our Lord no matter what.  This will look different for each of us.

  • Maybe it means viewing a live stream of the weekday Mass throughout the Easter season to rejoice in all He has done for us through His death and resurrection.
  • Maybe it will mean getting up in the darkness in early morning to read and reflect on the daily Gospel message.
  • Maybe we will have the courage to talk to a friend about what the Lord means to us and how they can more fully experience His love.

We are an Easter people!
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”   Psalm 118:1-2