Acts 10:34,37-43;Ps 117(118); Rom 6:3-11/Col 3:1-4/1Cor 5:6-9;Luke 24:1-12/Jn 20:1-9
Luke’s Book of Acts describes how after his death Jesus continues his work on earth through his Holy Spirit, who interrupts Peter’s speech to Cornelius. Peter then realises that forgiveness of sins is offered to “everyone who believes” in Jesus’ name.
The dramatic psalm thanks and praises the Lord for rescuing us from the dangers threatening us. It includes the shouts that welcomed Jesus into the Temple on Palm Sunday, now the second verse of the “Holy, Holy, Holy”.
Our second readings are all from Paul’s letters. The vigil reading from Romans compares baptism to death: our sinful life has died: we have risen to a new life in Christ. The Sunday reading from Colossians draws attention away from earthly marks of religion: our focus should be on our new life in Christ. The alternative reading is an early Easter homily. In the Jewish calendar Passover was followed by the feast of Unleavened Bread.
In the three synoptic gospels three women discover the tomb empty and run to tell the apostles, who disbelieve. But in John’s gospel Mary of Magdala, alone, finds the stone removed from the tomb. Without going inside she runs to tell Peter. Peter goes in first and sees the empty burial cloths. When the other disciple goes in, he believes.
Psalm Response (Sunday): This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.
(Acts 10:34,37-43;Ps 117(118); Rom 6:3-11/Col 3:1-4/1Cor 5:6-9;Luke 24:1-12/Jn 20:1-9)