Readings: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8; John 20:1-9 or Mark 16:1-7

On the Friday we call “Good,” Jesus was delivered, entregada.
In anguish, he cried out to the One who seemed silent:
It is finished…. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (John 19:30; Luke 23:46)
He was handed over to the thunder-tide of injustice –
a handing over that was not right, not just.
He was given over to death, the end of the road for all humans,
poured out for you and me, for all of us.
Delivered. Surrendered. Entregada.

Now today, the first day of the week, Jesus is delivered again.
Exalted. Raised up.
Set free from death’s bonds by a power greater than we can imagine.
See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted…. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days… (Isaiah 52:13; 53:11)

On this first day of the new creation, Jesus is raised.

Christ, our Passover, passed through the waters of death, trusting in the One who called him “my beloved Son.”

Christ, our Peace, speaks words of peace to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples, women and men, who come to mourn him and who find the tomb empty.
“He has been raised, he is not here!”

“Now go,” Christ says, “bring the Good News everywhere. Be my witnesses, my heralds. Spread the Good News of the boundless love of God, Abba, my Father and yours. And know that I am with you always, even to the end of time.”

For the Spirit of the Risen Christ is present wherever we heal the broken, lift up the poor ones, reconcile divisions, breathe forgiveness, speak and act so that all may have life. Christ is alive in every heart that believes our hope is not in vain,
and that love, not death, is the final word.
Lit by Easter’s new fire, may our hearts burn within us!

This is the day our God has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia! (Psalm 118:24)

– Sr. Regina Bechtle

Sr. Regina, a retreat leader, speaker, writer and spiritual director, serves as Charism Resource Director for the Sisters of Charity of New York. She gives presentations to lay and religious groups about St. Elizabeth Seton and our Vincentian-Charity heritage of spirituality.