Gospel Reflection Apr 20 – Deacon Stephen Petrill
Sunday, April 20
The Resurrection of the Lord
John 20: 1-9
Gospel:
On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she 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 don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
Gospel Reflection:
We are currently in the midst of the Sacred Triduum–Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday—which invites us into the heart of the Paschal Mystery. On Holy Thursday, the celebration of the Last Supper emphasizes the institution of the Eucharist and the model of servanthood demonstrated by Jesus in the washing of the disciples’ feet. It is a call to humility and love, reminding us that true greatness is found in lowly, selfless service.
Good Friday continues with the remembrance of Christ’s passion and death. The starkness of the liturgy—with its silence, veneration of the cross, and absence of the Eucharistic consecration—reflects the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is a day of deep reflection on human sinfulness and divine mercy. Standing at the foot of the cross, we are confronted with both the pain of death and the depth of God’s love. It challenges us to place our own sufferings at the foot of the Cross; and to love God and one another with the same selfless, sacrificial love.
The silence of Holy Saturday gives way to the joyful proclamation of Easter: Christ is risen! The Easter Vigil, rich in symbolism with fire, water, word, and sacrament, celebrates the victory of life over death. Easter Sunday then expresses the joy of the resurrection to the whole world, calling all to live as true disciples of Christ. Mary Magdalene stayed close to the Lord. May we do the same; and may we rush towards Christ like the Apostles Peter and John. Happy Easter to you and your families!
Deacon Stephen Petrill
