Birth and Resurrection

 

John 20: 1a, 2-8

The Empty Tomb

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

³ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴ Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷ as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. ⁸ Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

Two days after the elaborate celebration of the Birth of Jesus we now reflection on his resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, the first witnesses and believers of the Risen Jesus.  Later on, we will fill in the pages, but certainly, these two events are the bookends of the story of God's love for us and of our salvation.  We are called to place our faith ad our lives and believers o these foundation stones. this call is more relevant today as the storms of winter and of war rage across our planet. We will be born, will rise in new life and survive if we believe as did these three. I do believe, Lord, help my unbelief! (Mark 9: 24)

Bro. Rene 

Upon seeing the empty tomb, John, the Beloved Disciple, believed. Almighty Father, we ask that you may continue to bless us, who have not seen yet still believe. When faith is hard to comprehend, may this be our simple prayer, “Lord, help my unbelief.” Amen.

 Br. James Walters, C.S.C.