The Empty Tomb

Greetings on this the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Readings: 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20:1a and 2-8

Summary

The Gospel of John and the 1st Letter of John draw us back to the essentials: In the beginning, the beginning of Time and the beginning of the Good News.

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (Jn 1:1).
• What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life (1 Jn 1:1).

And nestled between the two proclamations is the Empty Tomb.

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene 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 do not know where they put him.” Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.(Jn 20:2,8).

But they didn’t take him, He is Risen.

Liturgical note: Since the Feast of the Holy Innocents falls on the Sunday of the Christmas Octave, the Sunday celebration is the Feast of the Holy Family.

Reflection

In rapid order after Christmas morning, we experience the martyrdom of Stephen and the witness of the Empty Tomb.

Our Liturgy of the Hours recalls the boldness with which Peter and John proclaim the Lord. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20).

Personal Reflection

Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and John the Evangelist all proclaim what they know and saw: Jesus, in the flesh and Jesus Resurrected – beginning with the Empty Tomb.

So today we are called to see the Empty Tomb, death defeated. In the life of Jesus, in our life too. Proclaim the Incarnate One! Proclaim His Victory! Merry Christmas!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry