The Resurrection of the Lord – Year A (2026)
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Do you remember the thrill of Christmas mornings as a child? The anticipation built as you waited to tear open presents, heart racing with hope for that toy or game you wished for. That pure, unfiltered joy often fades in adulthood, doesn’t it? We may have a similar fading experience at Easter. Christ’s Resurrection brings immense gladness, yet familiarity with “Christ is risen!” can dull its edge. Perhaps even on Good Friday, retrospection softens the Passion’s sorrow, knowing that Christ is risen on Sunday morning. Let us then imagine this from the perspective of first-century Christ-followers. What was Easter like for them? That is where today’s readings place us. Can you grasp the raw, unfiltered emotions they experienced? Grief raw from Calvary, disbelief at an empty tomb, hope fading like a flickering flame. Mary Magdalene, heart pierced by sorrow, races to the grave at dawn, then races back to tell Peter and the apostles what she saw. By entering into their world, we rediscover Easter’s monumental shift from despair to eternal joy. Easter is a day that calls us to renew our faith, to awaken our hearts, and to truly understand what the Resurrection means for our lives in a practical, everyday sense.
Jesus’ disciples left everything to follow Him. For three years, they followed Him around Galilee, Judea, and Samaria. They were taught by Him and witnessed signs and wonders as He turned water into wine, walked on water, fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, healed the sick, the blind, and the deaf, and even raised the dead. They must have felt that God was ushering in His kingdom through Jesus, and they, especially the twelve, were part of it. Then came the victorious entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the day before Passover. The crowd recognizes him, lays down their garments and branches, and shouts to their king, “Hosanna”, “Save us.” But only a few days later, Jesus is betrayed by one of His own disciples. He is handed over to the authorities and sentenced to death on a cross as the crowd turns on Him. He faces torture and a painful execution and is buried. Imagine the disciples’ confusion and despair, thinking that it all came to an end! But then, Mary Magdalene raced to them on Sunday morning to give them the news. And later, Jesus appears to them multiple times. They see, touch, and eat with the risen Christ. This is the Teacher they had come to know, and He is alive!
That first Easter morning was no mere historical footnote but the dawn of our own eternal victory. Jesus’ tomb emptied so our hearts might be filled. Like Mary Magdalene racing with bewildered joy, and the apostles touching the wounds of the Risen One, we too are summoned from darkness, our doubts and daily crosses to embrace this unquenchable reality: Christ is risen, and in Him, so are we. As we approach the altar today, let the Paschal candle’s flame ignite our souls and renew our baptismal promises. Let’s receive His Body and Blood, and go forth like Peter and the apostles as fearless witnesses. Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Let us go forth and bring the good news to the world. Happy Easter!
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.