Homily for Easter Sunday Year A (7)




Homily for Easter Sunday Year A

Theme: The Joy of Easter

By: Fr. Luke Ijezie

 

Homily for Sunday April 12 2020

Readings: Acts 10:34.37-43; Col 3:1-4; John 20:1-9.

This is a happy day. Nothing should rob us of the joy of this day. I have seen frustration on many faces this morning and in the voices of many who called to know whether there would be public masses this Sunday. The answer was always no and many were usually down-spirited. They are right. But there is nothing one can do. Only the living can praise the Lord.

We can also imagine the frustrations of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus this early morning only to find the great tomb empty. The death of Jesus on the Cross was devastating, but seeing the tomb now empty, they felt deeply what seemed like the emptiness of human existence. In John’s Gospel of this morning, Mary of Magdala runs away from the tomb announcing to the disciples around that they have taken away the Lord from the tomb. One could imagine her state of depression. It will not be long before we find her weeping. The empty tomb is the imposing reality that the Church beholds this Sunday morning. Should we adopt Mary Magdalene’s interpretation that they have stollen the Lord’s body? Peter himself is more perplexed than ever. He remains speechless. Only the other disciple seems to understand. We face similar realities that leave us speechless and depressed. The world is currently facing such state of emptiness and apparent meaninglessness in the face of the present scourge. But the Apostle Paul invites us in the second reading to look up in order to understand. We must direct our thoughts upwards: “Think of what is above and not of what is on earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:2-3). If we look only at the appearances, at the things we see with our eyes, we shall never understand. We shall only be distracted and disheartened, even scandalized. Some are even scandalized that their priest cannot celebrate for them today, Easter Sunday of all days. Nawaao!

In spiritual matters, we need always to look upwards and deeply in order to see the saving presence of God. The resurrection of Jesus tells us and in a very loud way that God is always in charge. Even when the forces of destruction seem to be in triumph, God intervenes to show His great power. Why then should any believer be afraid? So, no shaking! God knows what to do in every situation, even in this one you find yourself now. Let us exult with the psalmist of today: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!” May the Risen Lord continue to protect, guide and bless you and your family so that you may triumph over every adverse force or trial and at the end join to shout and sing the great Alleluia!

Happy Easter!

Fr. Luke Ijezie

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