Readings
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9
Reflection
by Sister Joseph Fennimore, OSB
One of the words we will be hearing over and over again from the Easter Vigil until Pentecost is the word ALLELUIA. It is an expression of rejoicing that the Church uses in her worship. Contained in it are thanksgiving, joy, and triumph. It shouts out the joy and triumph of Easter, giving praise to the Lord for his victory over death. Singing and shouting it out is our way of joining Jesus Christ and the People of God in the celebration of new life that has come to us through his resurrection.
We continue that celebration by joining wholeheartedly in the singing of the responsorial psalm for Easter, “This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad.” We have reasons to rejoice and be glad. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our sins have been removed. Our salvation has been won. Our baptismal life has been restored and renewed. Grace, Jesus’ life, has been made available to us so that we can know him better, so that we can reach out to others, be open to them, help them, and receive their gifts.
Once the authors of today’s scripture readings realized and knew in faith that Jesus had risen from the dead, they became ardent proclaimers of his resurrection. Luke, Paul and John not only told the story of Jesus’ glorious victory often but also wrote it down so that people of ages to come would be told the story of their redemption and know the way to salvation. With this renewed gift of our redemption and salvation, we too are to take the message and joy of Easter to our world. May this tremendous message of good news be enlivened with ALLELUIAS again and again.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
The Times for Saying Alleluia
“From the holy feast of Easter until Pentecost, ‘alleluia’ is always said with both
the psalms and the responsories.” Chapter 15:1
Gospel Acclamation
“Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord.” Cf. 1 Cor 5:7b-8a