God so Love the World

 

God so loved the world 

that he gave his 

only-begotten Son, 

so that everyone 

who believes in him 

might not perish 

but might have eternal life. 

(John 3:16)

God’s love extends to us all without exception. Our response to God’s love is to believe in Jesus and live according to His teachings, which leads to a life aligned with the values of faith and love that reflects God’s truth and light.

Belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves a transformation that leads to living in the truth. Coming to the light (truth) requires a willingness to be transformed by it.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it, and that belief in Him is the dividing line between salvation and condemnation. Salvation is a gift, not something earned. Eternal life is offered to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. 

In the cosmos' vast, celestial sphere,

Where stars whisper tales old as time,

There lies a truth, ever so clear,

In the golden text, divine and prime.

"God so loved the world," it's said,

A message of love, profound and deep,

To every heart, every soul it's spread,

A promise He did make and keep.

Not to condemn but to save us all,

Jesus came, a line in sand to draw,

Between life and death, rise and fall,

In belief, we find no flaw.

Salvation, a gift, not earned but given,

To those who in Jesus Christ believe,

A transformation, a life rewritten,

In truth's embrace, we live and breathe.

The light beckons, a call to change,

To be molded by its righteous flame,

In His teachings, our lives rearrange,

Reflecting faith, we bear His name.

So let us step into this light,

And in His love, our hearts ignite,

For in belief, we find our sight,

And in His truth, our lives alight.

Lord Jesus,

In You, belief transcends mere thought,

It's a transformation, a heart aligned with divine truth.

Your light beckons, inviting us to be reborn,

To live out the teachings that reflect Your love and faith.

May we come to the light, willing to be changed,

To walk in the path of righteousness You have laid.

For in believing in You, we find eternal life,

A journey of faith, in Your truth and light we abide.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

NICODEMUS

John 3:1-21

Gospel Acclamation

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel | John 3:16-21

16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Background:

John 3:16-21 is part of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. This passage is often referred to as the “golden text” of the Bible due to its profound message of salvation and love. Here’s a brief background:

John 3:16: This verse is the heart of the gospel message, emphasizing God’s immense love for the world and His provision of eternal life through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ1.

John 3:17-18: These verses clarify that Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it, and that belief in Him is the dividing line between salvation and condemnation2.

John 3:19-21: This section contrasts light and darkness, symbolizing truth and evil. It explains that people’s love for darkness (evil deeds) keeps them from coming to the light (Jesus), while those who do what is true come to the light3.

The broader context of this passage is Jesus’ teaching on the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of God, which Nicodemus initially struggles to understand. Jesus uses this opportunity to explain the way of salvation and the nature of God’s kingdom, which is accessible to all who believe in Him2. The passage underscores the theme of God’s redemptive plan and the choice presented to humanity to embrace the light of Christ or remain in darkness4.

Learning Lessons:

John 3:16-21 offers profound lessons on faith, salvation, and divine love. Here are some key takeaways:

God’s Love: The passage begins with the famous verse, "For God so loved the world…"1, teaching us about the depth and universality of God’s love. It’s a reminder that God’s love extends to all people, without exception.

Gift of Salvation: It emphasizes that salvation is a gift, not something earned. Eternal life is offered to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ2.

Belief and Action: The verses highlight the importance of belief in Jesus as the path to eternal life. However, belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves a transformation that leads to living in the truth2.

Light Over Darkness: The text contrasts light with darkness, symbolizing truth and evil. It teaches that coming to the light (truth) requires a willingness to be transformed by it1.

Judgment and Mercy: While the passage speaks of judgment, it also underscores God’s desire to save rather than condemn. Jesus came to offer a way to escape condemnation through faith1.

Response to God’s Love: The appropriate response to God’s love is to believe in Jesus and live according to His teachings, which leads to a life that reflects God’s truth and light1.

These lessons encourage introspection and a commitment to living a life aligned with the values of faith, love, and truth as presented in this powerful scripture.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Spiritual Rebirth : A New Dawn Within

 

"Amen, amen, 

I say to you, 

unless one is born 

of water and Spirit 

he cannot enter 

the Kingdom of God. 

What is born of flesh is flesh 

and what is born of spirit is spirit." 

(John 3:5-6)

Jesus teaches that being born again is necessary for salvation. This rebirth is not physical but a transformation of the heart and soul through faith and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works like the wind which moves freely and cannot be controlled.

Spiritual truths often transcend human logic. Faith is required to accept God's ways. Being "born of water and the Spirit" signifies baptism and the cleansing of sin, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. Salvation is available to everyone, regardless of status or background.

By faith, not sight, the soul takes flight, 

Beyond the bounds of earthly night. 

No longer chained by fear and past, 

Grace has come—God’s love steadfast.

The wind it stirs, unseen, yet strong, 

It whispers truth, it sings a song. 

A heart once heavy, cold as stone, 

Now beats with life, renewed—His own.

The waters cleanse, the Spirit calls, 

Breaking down the sinner’s walls. 

What once was lost, now found in light, 

A soul reborn in love’s pure sight.

No turning back, the old has died, 

With Christ I walk, now sanctified. 

Not of flesh, nor works alone, 

But by His breath—I am His own.

Lord Jesus, 

My heart was stone, lost in shadows, cold, alone. Yet in your mercy, love so wide, you called me forth, arms open wide. The past dissolves, its chains now dust, In you, my soul learns how to trust. Like morning’s light breaks through the night, your Spirit fills me, burning bright.

Baptized in grace, my sins erased, I stand reborn, by love embraced. No longer bound by doubt and fear, your truth, O Lord, is shining near. The wind may shift, the storms may rise, yet in your hands, my spirit flies. Born again, in faith I stand, led by your heart, your guiding hand.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

NICODEMUS

John 3:121

Gospel Acclamation

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Gospel | John 3:1-8

1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6 What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Dawn of Grace: A Call to a Deeper Faith

 

She went and told 

his companions who 

were mourning and weeping. 

When they heard that 

he was alive and had 

been seen by her, 

they did not believe. 

(Mark 16:10-11)

The dawn of grace has come, and we are called to a deeper faith. Instead of having doubts, let us believe.

Faith requires trust, even when things seem unbelievable. Jesus does not abandon us in our struggles but instead calls us to deeper faith. True encounter with Jesus leads to transformation in our lives.

Sharing the Good News is a responsibility for all believers. Our personal testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith.

Early morn, the stone rolled wide, 

Mary wept, yet hope denied. 

In her sorrow, light broke through— 

Jesus stood, alive and true.

She ran to tell, with trembling heart, 

But doubt and fear kept faith apart. 

Still, He came in mercy deep, 

To wake the souls that grief did keep.

He rebuked their hardened sight, 

Yet bathed them in His saving light.

 “Go,” He said, “to every land, 

Speak My truth, let love expand.”

Now we rise, as they once did, 

With faith proclaimed and doubts forbid. 

His story lives in hearts made free, 

Christ alive—eternally.

Lord Jesus, 

You rose in glory and appeared first to Mary Magdalene, showing that your love reaches all who seek you. Yet doubt clouded the hearts of your disciples, and you called them to a deeper faith.

Help me, Lord, to believe in your presence even when I cannot see. Strengthen my trust in you, that I may never waver in faith. Remove the hardness of my heart, so that I may embrace your truth with open arms.

You commanded your followers to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Give me the courage to share your love boldly, to be a witness of your mercy and grace. Let my life reflect your truth, that others may see and believe.

Lord, transform me through your risen power. Make me a vessel of your light, so that in my words and actions, your glory may shine. May I go forth, as you have sent your disciples, spreading hope, faith, and the joy of your resurrection.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Longer Ending

THE APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE/TO TWO DISCIPLES/COMMISSIONING OF ELEVEN

Mark 16:9-11/12-13/14-18

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Mark 16:9-15

9 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. 13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. 14 But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Recognize the Giver

 

So he said to them, 

“Cast the net 

over the right side of the boat

and you will find something.” 

So they cast it, 

and were not able to pull it in 

because of the number of fish. 

So the disciple whom 

Jesus loved said to Peter, 

“It is the Lord.” 

(John 21:6-7)

Our efforts are futile when we work without Jesus. Blessings come out of our obedience and trust in Jesus recognizing His work in our lives. 

Jesus continually showers His mercy on us, gives us innumerable second chances, and never gives up on us.To serve Christ effectively, we must have trusted in Him as our risen Savior and Lord. We should be serving in ministries that impact others spiritually.

In the mercy of Jesus, we continually bask,

He gives us second chances, more than we could ask.

Never giving up on us, His love never ends,

In our futile efforts, His grace He sends.

Working without Jesus, our efforts are in vain,

But with Him, our losses turn into gain.

Blessings come from obedience, trust in His name,

Recognizing His work, our lives are not the same.

To serve Christ effectively, trust is a must,

In Him, our risen Savior and Lord, we put our trust.

Serving in ministries, impacting others spiritually,

In His service, we find our purpose, eternally.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge Your continual mercy upon us. You give us innumerable second chances and never give up on us, for which we are eternally grateful. We confess that our efforts are futile when we work without You. 

We recognize that blessings come out of our obedience and trust in You. Help us to see Your work in our lives and to serve You effectively. We trust in You as our risen Savior and Lord. Guide us to serve in ministries that impact others spiritually. Let our service be a testament to Your love and grace. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Epilogue - The Resurrection Appearance in Galilee

THE APPEARANCE TO THE SEVEN DISCIPLES

John 21:1-14

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | John 21:1-14

1 Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. 2 Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6 So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. 7 So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 9 When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Peace be with you

 

While they were still 

speaking about this, 

he stood in their midst 

and said to them, 

“Peace be with you.” 

(Luke 24:36)

Peace comes from knowing Jesus and the reassurance of His presence. His resurrection is a testament to victory over sin and death. 

We should trust in God's promises, even when we face doubts. Even in moments of uncertainty, Christ offers peace.  Just as Jesus appeared to His disciples in their time of need, He is always with us, offering guidance and comfort. As His followers, we are called to share this hope with others.

In troubled seas, when storms arise, 

And fear takes hold beneath the skies,

 A voice so gentle, calm and true, 

Whispers softly, "Peace be with you."

When sorrow weighs upon your chest, 

And weary hearts can't find their rest, 

Love steps in—a healing view, 

And speaks again, "Peace be with you."

No door is closed too tight to break, 

No road too lost for love to take, 

For hope remains, and grace shines through, 

In every breath—"Peace be with you."

Lord Jesus, 

Prince of Peace, You walked among us, bearing love and grace, And in moments of doubt and fear, You spoke, "Peace be with you."

In the storms of life, be our calm. When worry clouds our hearts, be our light. In sorrow, be our comfort. In struggle, be our strength.

Help us to trust in Your presence, To feel Your peace beyond understanding, And to share that peace with those in need.

Lord, guide our thoughts, our words, our actions, So that in all things, we may reflect Your love. Let Your peace reign in our hearts today and always.

Amen.

Pericope:

VIII: The Resurrection Narrative

THE APPEARANCE ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS /TO THE DISCIPLES IN JERUSALEM

Luke 24:13-35 / 36-53

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Luke 24:35-48

35 The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place on the way and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread. 36 While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of baked fish; 43 he took it and ate it in front of them. 44 He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Walk of Faith

 

And they said to one another, 

"Did not our heart burn 

within us while He talked 

with us on the road, 

and while He opened 

the Scriptures to us?" 

(Luke 24:32)

Jesus is always with us. We all face times when we are disappointed with God, especially when our expectations do not match His sovereign purpose. However, God can turn our disappointment into hope if we seek the risen Savior through faith in His Word. 

Our faith should always be growing, and that we should always be open to encountering Christ in unexpected ways. We should never be afraid to share our faith with others, and to be a source of encouragement and support on their own journeys of faith.

In times of disappointment, when our hearts are heavy-laden,

When our expectations of God seem to be forsaken.

Yet in these moments, a truth we can uphold,

God turns our disappointment into hope, a sight to behold.

Seek the risen Savior, through faith in His Word,

His promises are true, the most beautiful ever heard.

Jesus, our companion, always by our side,

In His presence, we find a love that can't be denied.

Our faith, like a seed, should always be growing,

In the garden of our hearts, His love ever flowing.

Open to encountering Christ in ways unexpected,

In the tapestry of life, His grace is reflected.

Never be afraid to share your faith, let it shine,

Like a beacon in the night, a divine design.

Be a source of encouragement, a support so strong,

On their own journeys of faith, help others belong.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that there are times when we feel disappointed with You, especially when our expectations do not align with Your sovereign purpose. However, we believe that You can turn our disappointment into hope if we seek You, our risen Savior, through faith in Your Word.

We are grateful that You are always with us, guiding us, comforting us, and strengthening us. We pray that our faith will continue to grow each day, and that we will always be open to encountering You in unexpected ways.

Give us the courage to share our faith with others, to be a beacon of Your love in this world. Help us to be a source of encouragement and support for others on their own journeys of faith.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Background:

Luke 24:13-35, also known as “The Walk to Emmaus,” is a unique story found only in the Gospel of Luke. It takes place on Easter Sunday, right after the Easter narrative in Luke 24:1-12.

The story begins with two disciples of Jesus, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, walking to a village called Emmaus, which was near the city of first-century Jerusalem. As they discuss the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection, Jesus Himself joins them on their journey, but they do not recognize Him.

These two disciples were not part of the original circle of the Twelve, as the story ends with them going to report to “the eleven” what had happened1. However, they were part of a “group” of disciples to which the women who had gone to the tomb also belonged.

During their journey, Jesus interprets “Moses and all the prophets” concerning Himself, but the disciples still do not recognize Him. It is only when they reach Emmaus and sit down to eat, and Jesus “took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” that their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. This action of breaking bread is almost identical to Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper.

This story emphasizes the importance of the resurrection and the breaking of bread, a symbol of the Eucharist, in recognizing Jesus. It also shows how Jesus’ teachings can open our understanding of the Scriptures.

Learning Lessons:

Luke 24:13-35, the story of the walk to Emmaus, offers several important lessons:

Disappointment and Hope: We all face times when we are disappointed with God, especially when our expectations do not match His sovereign purpose1. However, God can turn our disappointment into hope if we seek the risen Savior through faith in His Word.

Faith, Hope, and Love: The disciples were sad and confused, but they were still faithful. They continued to talk about Jesus, even though they did not understand what had happened to him. They also had hope, because they believed that Jesus would rise again. And they loved Jesus, even though they did not see him. These three things – faith, hope, and love – are essential for Christians.

Encountering Christ in Unexpected Ways: Luke 24:13-35 is a powerful reminder that our faith should always be growing, and that we should always be open to encountering Christ in unexpected ways. We should never be afraid to share our faith with others, and to be a source of encouragement and support on their own journeys of faith.

Jesus is Always With Us: The story of the Road to Emmaus is a reminder that Jesus is risen, and that he is always with us.

These lessons remind us of the importance of faith, hope, love, and the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Pericope:

VIII: The Resurrection Narrative

THE APPEARANCE ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

Luke 24:13-35

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Luke 24:13-35

13 That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’s disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, 14 and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. 15 And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, 16 but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. 22 Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. 24 Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. 31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. 32 Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them 34 who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Let Go and Let God!

 

“Stop holding on to me, 

for I have not yet 

ascended to the Father. 

But go to my brothers 

and tell them, 

I am going to my Father 

and your Father, 

to my God and your God.” 

(John 20:17)

Jesus reveals Himself to those who seek Him, regardless of their status. 

Sometimes we may not recognize Jesus’ work in our lives until we have a personal encounter with Him. Even in our deepest sorrows, the resurrection of Jesus can bring life-changing hope. 

Let us seek Jesus honestly, diligently, personally, and obediently in our lives and share our experiences of Jesus with others.

In the quiet corners of our hearts, where faith resides,

Jesus reveals Himself to those who seek, where His love abides.

Regardless of status, high or low, in His eyes we're the same,

In every personal encounter, He calls us by name.

Sometimes His work in our lives, we may not see,

Until we meet Him personally, and let our hearts be free.

Even in our deepest sorrows, when hope seems far away,

The resurrection of Jesus brings a new day.

Life-changing hope, a beacon bright,

Guiding us through the darkest night.

Let us seek Jesus, in all we do,

Honestly, diligently, personally, true.

Obediently walking in His ways,

Sharing our experiences of His grace.

With others around us, let us share,

The love of Jesus, beyond compare.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging that You reveal Yourself to those who seek You, regardless of their status. We confess that sometimes we may not recognize Your work in our lives until we have a personal encounter with You.

In our deepest sorrows, we are reminded that the resurrection brings life-changing hope. Help us to seek You honestly, diligently, personally, and obediently in our lives.

As we experience Your love and grace, guide us to share these experiences with others, spreading Your love and light in the world.

In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE APPEARANCE TO MARY OF MAGDALA

John 20:11-18

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | John 20:11-18

11 Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot