Easter Day, April 16, 2006
BCP: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:14-29 or 118:14-17,22-24; Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-8
RCL: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:1-2,14-24; 1 Cor. 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8
Many of our parishes witness a significant increase in Sunday attendance on Easter Day. This is a reality in which we may readily rejoice, because it assures us that more than the usual number of people for whom Christ died and rose again will hear of the saving deeds of our God.
On this great and glorious feast, the readings from Holy Scripture affirm that the encounter with the living God is to be found in communion with others.
In Isaiah, we immediately hear a foreshadowing of our Easter celebration in language that expresses the purpose of God to draw everyone into such communion. Everyone gathered to celebrate the resurrection may “be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” This salvation through the victory of Christ over death is what the assembly celebrates as we sing in the psalm, “On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
The reading from Acts recounts the preaching of St. Peter to Cornelius and his household, extending the Easter invitation to everyone who hears. “God shows no partiality,” so that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Even those from whom the earliest Jewish disciples initially felt separate and distinct were to be welcomed into sacred fellowship through the word of God.
The gospel on this day affirms that the recognition that Christ is risen is found within a fellowship of persons; and this recognition always inclines that fellowship to seek to share the good news of salvation with others. In the passage from St. Mark, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome gather to go to the tomb. Together, they receive the gospel announcement, “He has risen, he is not here.” But this message was not intended for these few alone. They were instructed to go and tell others.
St. John’s account focuses more on the appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene. But the experience at the empty tomb began with the gathering of a community of disciples. Later, Mary had a very personal revelation of Jesus. But again, it was clearly not intended for her alone. Jesus sent her to share the encounter with others.
The gathering of people with various levels of faith in fellowship with one another is the appropriate context for our praise of God on this day of victory over death.
Look It Up
With family or friends, pray “Christ our Passover” from Morning Prayer (BCP pages 46 or 83).
Think About It
Reflect upon what these phrases reveal about the presence of Christ in the communion and fellowship of the faithful: “Christ is Risen.” “You have been raised with Christ.” “You are the body of Christ.”
Next Sunday
Second Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2006
BCP: Acts 3:12a, 13-15, 17-26 or Isaiah 26:2-9, 19; Psalm 111 or 118:19-24; 1 John 5:1-6 or Acts 3:12a, 13-15, 17-26; John 20:19-31
RCL: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31
