The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Good morning.

Let us meditate together on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Theme: "The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Reference text: John 20. From the first to the tenth verse.

Let us read in the second version, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.It is written:

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. She ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter and the other disciple went out and went to the tomb. They were both running together. But the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but did not go in. Simon Peter, who was following him, arrived and entered the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the towel that had been placed around Jesus' head, not with the linen cloths but folded in a separate place. Then the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in; and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand that, according to the Scriptures, Jesus must rise from the dead. And the disciples returned home. Amen.

Let us remember.

Mary and her entire cohort had not taken Jesus' resurrection into their hearts. They wanted to embalm Jesus' body, whereas during his lifetime he had long insisted on his resurrection. What is certain is that they would never have had access to the tomb because the stone blocking it could only be pushed back by about ten strong men. Moreover, the tomb was guarded by soldiers paid to protect it against all intrusions. All the goodwill of these women would never have been enough to embalm the Son of God. The guards were tasked with keeping them away from the tomb. The disciples also were unaware of Jesus' resurrection because they were still lamenting instead of awaiting the resurrection with full confidence. A veil covered everyone's understanding. Luke 24 explains this to us in verse 30, "While the (resurrected) Jesus was at table with them (at Emmaus), he took bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it, and gave it to them. 31. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but he disappeared from their sight." We too tend to keep Jesus inoperative in the tomb. We want to maintain his dead body without hoping in his resurrection. Now, Jesus having risen, we can no longer mourn, despair, fear, worry, or lament. Death could not hold Him, and the earth could not contain Him. Let us remember that He is alive, He is risen, and He awaits us in Galilee in His kingdom, where He has gone to prepare a place for us. May God bless His word. Have a wonderful Sunday. Amen.

Alain Louz.-