GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 15TH APRIL 2017
HOLY SATURDAY (EASTER VIGIL)
OLD TESTAMENT READINGS: Genesis 1:1–2:2/Genesis 22:1-18/Exodus 14:15–15:1/Isaiah 54:5-14/ Isaiah 55:1-11/ Baruch 3:9-15, 32–4:4/ Ezekiel 36:16-26
EPISTLE: Romans 6:3-11
PSALM: Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
GOSPEL: Matthew 28:1-10
THEME: THE STONE HAS BEEN ROLLED BACK
Even without seeing the sun, the effect of daylight through the windows into a room is enough proof that the night of yesterday could not keep the sun from shining today. In the same way, I do not need to see Jesus rising from the tomb with my physical eyes before believing. The effect of his resurrection is the proof that he has risen.
Tonight’s Liturgy of the Word recounts the whole story of salvation. It begins with how the world was created and ends with an account of a new creation, implied in the resurrection of Jesus. The symbolism of Jesus the Light shining in our human darkness is made vivid in tonight’s celebration as the priest raises the Paschal candle and sings “The Light of Christ” and we all respond, “Thanks be to God”.
The summit of tonight’s Liturgy of the Word is the statement of the angel to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.” (Matt. 28:5-6)
The empty tomb itself does not prove the resurrection but the effect of the resurrection on a person proves the empty tomb. This effect, according to St. Paul, is newness of life – “…as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glorious power, we too should begin living a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)
As we bring the 40 days of Lent to a close, all who generously celebrated this period with prayer, fasting and almsgiving will testify to the newness of life that the resurrection of Christ brings. And this newness is our proof that the tomb is empty. Moreover, we now know that every stone, no matter how big it is, can be rolled. Jesus is alive!!!
PRAYER: Lord God, may the rays of the resurrection of Christ chase away the darkness around me and fill me with power to face every challenge that may come my way. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people.” (St. Arnold Janssen)