The Resurrection of the Lord
1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
2) Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel: John 20:1-9
I’ve long wondered why “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad,” was the responsorial psalm chosen for Easter, the most important celebration of the year for Christians.
Not that there’s anything inappropriate in it, but I’ve always taken it to mean each day is a gift from God, so appreciate it. The verse just never seems momentous enough.
However, considered in the context of the incredible event of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, these simple words in Psalm 118 speak the powerful truth: This is The Day. This is it — the ultimate outcome of God’s plan.
Indeed, we use that phrase, “This is it!” to signify a culmination, a moment of truth.
I remember once driving home from work on an interstate highway, going the 65 mph speed limit, and being hit from behind (!) by another vehicle. As I struggled in vain to gain control of my car, that vehicle actually hit me again! Sure enough, my life flashed before my eyes and confused thoughts flew through my mind as I began careening and spinning off the road, but I distinctly recall saying to myself, “I guess this is it.”
I knew intrinsically what “it” was: the end of my life, something I fully understood and always knew would come. (Amazingly, that wasn’t “it.” I was unhurt.)
In today’s reading from Acts, Peter excitedly recalls for his fellow witnesses “what has happened” since Jesus arrived: He was baptized, anointed by God with his Spirit and went among the people ministering and teaching; he was put to death and now he has been resurrected.
In effect, this is it!
As we celebrate Easter, Christ’s life flashes before our eyes and we see as a single “event” his message, ministry, example, death and resurrection — something we always knew would come.
This is The day the Lord has made, the eternal day that fulfills God’s desire for his beloved.
By believing in Jesus Christ the savior, we are drawn into this day and it becomes our truth.
Let us rejoice and be glad.
— Jean Denton
QUESTIONS:
How would you summarize the meaning and significance for your own life of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection? How will you respond?
