BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (# 21)
Easter Sunday, Year B – April 20, 2003
BIBLE READINGS
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS
I injured my wrist on Holy Thursday 2002 and I was brought to the Philippine Orthopedic Center for emergency treatment. My arm was temporarily put in a plaster cast. I was told to come back on Easter Sunday for surgery. And so, on Easter Sunday morning, I was seated at the Orthopedic Center’s emergency room, feeling dismal as an empty tomb. I complained to myself: “This isn’t fair! I am missing the best part of Easter Sunday.” I felt sorry for myself. But then, the young resident physician who was finishing his shift stood up with alacrity and headed for the door, squealing joyfully: “Oh, yes! Easter egg hunting!” His enthusiasm was contagious. I realized what difference it would make if only I would open myself up to the joy that the Easter season brings.
The Beloved Disciple who outruns Peter to the tomb is presented as an image of receptivity to the Easter mystery. Though he does not see the body of Jesus, he opens himself to the miracle of Easter. No further proof is necessary for him. He simply believes. Faith is his response to the Easter event.
This is also true for us. If we allow ourselves to be touched by the life-giving energy of the Lord’s resurrection, then we will experience the death-dealing experiences of our daily lives as being transformed into life-giving situations. In the midst of the degradation of death, the fullness of life will blossom. For the Beloved Disciple, the empty tomb is not an image of despair, but of the power of the Lord’s resurrection. And so it is for us, the Easter people: the “empty tombs” of our lives are simply preludes to more astounding apparitions of the Risen Lord who loved us to the end.
Those who have experienced the Christian glorification event are bearers of the tidings of Easter. I came across this beautiful piece, the author of which I can no longer recall: “The good news of Easter is that Jesus has triumphed over sin and evil – and so will we if we open our hearts to his Easter power. The good news of Easter is that every Good Friday in our lives can be turned into an Easter Sunday. The good news of Easter is that nothing can defeat us anymore – not pain, not sorrow, not even death.”
The miracle of Easter continues to be at work in people who promote social action that has a strong “Easter flavor”. According to writers James and Kathleen McGinnis, “Easter flavor means hope.” The Easter season is a most appropriate time to embark on endeavors that lead to social transformation, justice and peace, and the integration of creation. Such efforts of social renewal require deep hope as we continue to strengthen our community of disciples brought about by faith in the Risen Lord. Those whose actions are permeated with joy and glory become a sign of hope for others.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART
A. Do we believe with our whole mind, heart and soul in the Good News of Easter - that nothing can defeat us anymore – not pain, not sorrow, not even death?B. As Easter people, do we promote actions that have a strong “Easter flavor” and thus lead to social transformation, justice and peace, and the integration of creation?
C. Are our actions permeated with the joy and glory of the Risen Christ, and thus become a sign of hope for others?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Assembly: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
Leader: The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Assembly: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
Leader: The stone, which the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
Assembly: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4)
A. ACTION PLAN: Prepare an Easter card for three persons who are in most need to help them experience the good news of Easter.B. ACTION PLAN: On Easter Sunday the family can plant flower seeds as a way of celebrating the triumph of life. On April 22 the family can participate in the activities of EARTH DAY 2003 that are meant to raise public awareness and highlight the importance of caring for Mother Earth.