Easter Sunday – Fr. Barko
Jn 20:1-9
March 31, 2024

Have you ever tried to stare directly into the sun? Not so easy and certainly not safe. And on cloudy days, it’s hard to feel the warmth and light of the sun. At night we cannot see the sun at all in most places on the earth. These experiences illustrate our constant seeking of that light, and the struggle we have in doing so.

In our everyday lives, where do we see signs of the light of the resurrection and the fact that Christ is alive?

The disciples went to the tomb, and it was empty. The stone had been moved and some accounts even said the linens were folded! And, of course, Jesus’ body was not there! They are all significant signs, but Peter and others still did not understand – or perhaps believe.

The women who encountered Jesus on the road were the first to put it together – and they ran and reported. And still, disbelief among the men. Imagine how frustrating that must have been for those strong women!

However, when Jesus did arrive, things began to change. Conversation commenced and questions arose. However, it wasn’t until they shared a meal that they all finally recognized Jesus. This is why what we do at the altar when we celebrate Mass is so very important. We recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

After he breaks the bread, the priest puts a piece into the chalice and says quietly, “May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.” This signifies the unity of the Body and Blood of the Lord in the work of salvation.

Then the priest elevates the Body and Blood and says, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.” This is a pivotal part of the mass – when we get to gaze upon the bread and wine and understand they are indeed the Body and Blood of Jesus.

When you are at Mass, stop a moment to take it all in.

Our celebration of Jesus’ rebirth on Easter morning is deeply incarnational and is offered to us through common signs like table and cloth, food and drink. Yet we struggle. We really want to believe that Jesus is alive, that sin and death are defeated forever; we want to have faith. We want to be Easter people.

Mercifully, Christ is patient with us. Jesus meets us in our unquenchable hunger, our weaknesses, our doubts, our fears, and our pain. Not only does he feed us, but he also sits and eats with us.

Christ is not only risen above the heavens and beyond all time—the risen Christ is with us here and now. We have constant access to his endless, extravagant, and comforting mercy.

Remember that during these weeks of Easter celebration!