John 20:1-9 is the biblical account of the discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb by Mary Magdalene on the first day of the week, which is usually referred to as Easter Sunday or Resurrection Day. This event marks the beginning of the Easter season in the church year, which lasts for 50 days until Pentecost.
The Easter season is a time of joy and celebration for Christians, as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The empty tomb that Mary Magdalene discovered is a symbol of the triumph of life over death and of hope over despair. It is a reminder that, as believers, we have the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Catholic Voices
Fr. Lawrence Mick
Preachers and planners can assist the assembly to appreciate these cosmic connections in gentle ways. Preach about the vast sweep of God’s plan of salvation beginning with Genesis and continuing beyond our present day. Compose petitions that encourage care for what God has created and uses to interact with us. Pray for the coming of the renewed heavens and earth — not new as in starting over but new as in fulfilled as God intended from the beginning. Use the natural elements richly, rejoicing in the gifts of light and water and oil along with good bread and choice wine. Perhaps, along with images of the Resurrection, put up images from the Hubble telescope suggesting creation and new creation. Rejoice in what God has done and continues to do!
This passage exemplifies the virtues of faith and hope. Faith is reflected in John’s belief in the resurrection without seeing the risen Christ. His conviction that Jesus is alive shows a deep trust and belief in the divine. It is said in the bible ‘Blessed are those who believe and have not seen’. On the other hand, Peter represents a lack of faith, where he doubts and questions the situation. But even he went on to have great faith and became one of Jesus’ most important followers.
Hope is also reflected in the passage, as Mary, Peter and John continue to search for Jesus despite evidence to the contrary. They hope to find him, even when practical reasons tell them to give up. This shows the power of hope in overcoming despair and remaining steadfast in difficult times.
Catholic Voices
Joan Chittister
In her commentary on John 20:1-9, Chittister focuses on the theme of resurrection, emphasizing that the women who visit Jesus’ tomb and encounter the risen Christ embody the power of resurrection in their own lives. According to Chittister, we too can experience resurrection by confronting our fears and doubts, seeking new beginnings, and embracing the transformative power of love and compassion. Ultimately, Chittister sees the story of the resurrection as a call to action, inspiring us to be agents of positive change in the world around us.
Fulton Sheen
Archbishop Fulton Sheen viewed John 20:1-9 with great significance, as this passage details the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his sermons and writings, he emphasized the importance of the empty tomb as a symbol of hope and salvation. For him, the ultimate triumph over death signified by the resurrection of Jesus affirmed the truth of Christianity and offered believers a source of consolation, joy and peace. In particular, Sheen stressed that the Resurrection was not merely an historical event, but a spiritual encounter that continued to transform lives across time and place. According to him, the Resurrection still empowers believers to overcome fear, sin and death, and to embrace the abundant life promised by Christ.
One of the key themes in the passage is the importance of faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene initially sees the empty tomb and assumes that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. However, after she meets the resurrected Jesus, her doubt turns to faith and she becomes one of the first witnesses of the resurrection. For Catholic families and marriages, this passage can be a reminder that faith in Jesus is critical to building strong, lasting relationships. Family members should draw strength from their faith in times of hardship or uncertainty, and prioritize attending church and practicing their faith together as a family.
Another important theme in the passage is the importance of love and commitment. Mary Magdalene is not just a witness to the resurrection – she is a close companion of Jesus, who he loved and trusted. Catholic families and marriages should aspire to model this kind of committed, loving relationship in their own lives, striving to love and support one another through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, and in all the ups and downs of life.
A third theme that Catholic families and marriages can draw from this passage is the importance of recognizing and overcoming fear. When Mary Magdalene initially encounters the empty tomb, she is afraid and uncertain about what has happened to Jesus. Similarly, Catholics in marriages and families may experience fear and uncertainty when faced with challenging situations, such as health problems, financial difficulties, or relationship struggles. However, the story of Jesus’ resurrection can be a reminder that we should not give in to fear, but instead seek out the truth and trust in our faith.
Going Deeper
John’s “still dark” vs. Mark’s “sun had risen”
Mark’s Gospel says that Mary visited Jesus on the morning of the first day after sunrise, while John’s Gospel states that it was still dark when she arrived. In John’s Gospel, “dark” and “darkness” are often used to symbolize spiritual darkness (1:5; 3:9; 8:12; 12:35, 46).
Everyone has a place in the story of salvation, regardless of their gender, past, or identity
In John 20:1-9, there is a powerful message of inclusion and diversity. The passage tells the story of Mary Magdalene, a woman who was often marginalized in society due to her gender and past. Despite this, she was one of the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus. This shows that no matter one’s background or identity, they can still play an important role in the story of salvation.
Additionally, the passage also includes two other disciples, Peter and John, who were different from Mary Magdalene in many ways. They were men and had different personalities and backgrounds. However, they all came together to witness the incredible event of the resurrection. This demonstrates the power of diversity and the beauty that can come from people of different backgrounds and perspectives coming together.
One application of John 20:1-9 to the theology of work is the idea of new beginnings. The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents a new beginning for humanity and offers hope for new beginnings in our own lives. This means that, no matter where we are in our career or work journey, we can always start fresh and pursue new opportunities or directions.
Another example is the fact that the resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms the value of our work as human beings. We are reminded that God created us for a purpose and has a plan for our lives. This means that our work can have meaning and significance beyond just earning money or social status.
Finally, John 20:1-9 emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in our work. The disciples had to wait patiently for Jesus’ resurrection and had to believe that he would come back to life. Similarly, in our work, we may face challenges and setbacks, but we must stay committed to the task at hand and have faith that our efforts will ultimately bear fruit.
For those who believe in the resurrection, there is a sense of purpose and meaning in our work, knowing that it is part of the larger work that Jesus is doing to bring about new life and renewal to all people. We are called to work in our own unique vocations, using the gifts and talents that God has given us, and to do so with a sense of joy and purpose, knowing that we are part of this larger work of God.
Ultimately, the theology of work is about recognizing that our work is not just a means to an end, but is a reflection of God’s activity in the world. Through our work, we can participate in the ongoing work of creation, redemption, and renewal, and in doing so, we can find deep meaning and purpose in our lives.
John chapter 20:1-9 can be related to addiction and recovery in several ways.
Firstly, addiction often leads to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Just as Mary Magdalene and the disciples felt lost and confused after Jesus’ death, addicts may feel lost and alone in their struggles. However, just as the resurrection brought hope to the disciples, recovery can bring hope to those struggling with addiction.
Secondly, addiction can be compared to the “death” of a person’s former self. Just as Jesus emerged from the tomb with a renewed life, those who recover from addiction often emerge from their struggles with a new sense of purpose and a renewed appreciation for life.
Finally, the resurrection story reflects the transformative power of belief. The disciples initially struggled to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, but their faith ultimately prevailed. Similarly, those in recovery must have belief in themselves and their ability to overcome their addiction in order to succeed.
John 20:1-9 describes the moment when Mary Magdalene discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty. This passage can be related to spiritual warfare because it represents the ongoing battle between good and evil. Even though Jesus had risen, his disciples didn’t automatically believe in his resurrection. They were still struggling with doubts and fears. As Christians, we face the same battle against doubt and temptation and need to rely on the power of God’s grace in the sacrament of confession to overcome.
It is through confessing our sins to a priest in sacramental confession that we allow God to open our hearts and souls to His grace and forgiveness. In the passage, Peter and John ran to the tomb after Mary Magdalene shared the news with them. Peter entered the tomb, but John believed without having to see. Both of these actions required acknowledging the truth, which is an essential part of confession. When we confess our sins honestly and ask for forgiveness, we are showing our faith in God’s saving power and can experience His merciful love.
John 20:1-9 describes the resurrection of Jesus and the discovery of the empty tomb by the disciples. One aspect of stewardship is managing and caring for what has been entrusted to us. In this passage, the disciples are entrusted with the message of the resurrection and sharing it with others. They are also entrusted with the task of caring for the new church, making sure that it stays true to the teachings of Jesus.
We can relate this to our own lives, recognizing that we are given various resources, such as time, talent, wealth, and energy, and we are stewards of those resources. Just as the disciples were tasked with managing and sharing the message of the resurrection, we too are entrusted with sharing the Good News of Christ with the world and managing our resources in such a way that we honor God and fulfill His purposes for our lives.
In the context of graduating from 8th grade and entering high school, John 20:1-9 could represent a new beginning, a time to leave behind the old and start fresh. Just as Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb, the students are leaving behind the familiar and entering into the unknown. The disciples, Peter and John, represent the support system that the students have as they transition into high school.
Additionally, just as the empty tomb ultimately represented Jesus’ resurrection and new life, the students can use this time to create a new identity for themselves in high school, grow and learn, and become the best version of themselves. For example, the passage can inspire young people to seek knowledge and truth. The disciples went to the tomb and saw the evidence of the resurrection. They did not simply accept hearsay or second-hand information. This reinforces the idea that it is important to investigate and analyze facts before forming an opinion.
In terms of relating John 20:1-9 to current news events, there are a few possibilities. One way is to consider the idea of hope and renewal, which is a message that many people could use during these difficult times. Many people are suffering from the tornadoes in that have swept through the southern United States have Seeing the light of hope and renewal in the Easter message and the story of Jesus’ resurrection can be a powerful and inspiring message in the midst of such challenging times.
Indictment of President Trump
Another possible way to relate this passage to current news events is to consider the idea of truth and misinformation. Recently President Trump, a former U.S. president, has been indicted.In the story of the empty tomb, some people believed that the body of Jesus had been stolen, while others believed that He had truly risen from the dead. This speaks to the power of belief and the importance of discerning truth from falsehoods. In today’s world, there is an abundance of misinformation and fake news that can be damaging and harmful, and it is important to be able to discern what is true and what is not.
Periods of Renewal and Rejuvenation in the Catholic Church
John 20:1-9 is the famous story of Mary Magdalene and her encounter with the Risen Christ. This passage not only highlights the importance of faith in the Resurrection, but also points towards the notion of renewal in the Catholic Church. Throughout history, the Church has experienced various challenges and obstacles that have contributed to the need for renewal. This essay will explore the concept of renewal in the Catholic Church with reference to specific examples from Church history.
One of the most notable examples of renewal in the Catholic Church is the period known as the “Counter-Reformation” or “Catholic Reformation.” This was a time in the 16th century when the Catholic Church was facing a massive religious rift with the Protestant reformers. During this time, the Church experienced a revival in Catholicism that sought to address the issues associated with corruption and power abuse within the Church hierarchy. This included efforts to reform the practices of indulgences, sacramental Confession, and clarifying the Church’s doctrines through the publication of the Catechism of the Council of Trent.
Moreover, the Catholic reformers responded to the challenge with the establishment of institutions to promote Catholicism worldwide, such as the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, which was significant in reinvigorating Catholic education and missionary work. The order pledged devotion to scholarly excellence and humble service to the world. By promoting reason and discernment in studies and faith, they exemplified that learning and evangelizing was not a contradiction for Catholics as accused by their critics. As the Jesuits demonstrated their loyalty and effectiveness to Rome, their movement continued to prosper as the epitome of early Modern Catholicism, sparking a renewed intellectual vigour in theology, science and the arts.
Another landmark moment in the Church since Vatican II (1961–1965), which bloomed into a post-conciliar movement characterized by novelty and outreach, namely in ecumenism, social justice and interreligious dialogue. The Council’s language sheds off the ornate and grand tone faithful to Renaissance art, and chose to engage in a more collegial and unassuming manner with the world. The egalitarian sentiments throughout the Council by Cardinal Lercaro and others prompted new structures of dialogue and communal participation that brought contemporary issues to the forefront of the Church’s interests. Often times, the Catholic Church can appear detached from the everyday struggles and societal issues in the world.
The “preferential option for the poor” insisted that “Christ is the light of nations”, and that “No matter how deeply a thought explores reality, it cannot explore it as profoundly as the simple fact of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.” Gaudium et spes emphasized in particular the efforts for global social justice with messages of anti-war sentiments and of human rights, anticipated much of what other religious and secular voices would champion in the coming decades. This paved the way for the Church of openness and listening, and greatly expanded its reach around the world.
Moreover, the impact of the Church’s teachings has been enshrined in various institutions and organizations that have continued to influence modern society. For instance, organizations and movements such as Caritas or Pax Christi continue to champion Catholic social teachings concerning peace, social justice, and development, particularly by seeking out areas of poverty or environmental destruction that needs to be ameliorated. Similar institutions include Cafod, or the Roman Catholic charity Friends of the Holy Land, whose primary efforts focused on supporting people in crisis-hit regions in the Middle East.
Finally, one can also examine the ongoing debate over women’s roles in the Catholic Church concerning renewal. Given gender discrimination issues both in and outside the Church leads one to weigh in on the persistent theme of gendered power and authority in Christianity. Efforts to renew the Church continually seek to address these contentious theological and ecclesiastical issues. Some encourage more dialogue and openness to exploring various of issues, such as the possibility of female ordained ministries or gender sensitive-language in reading the bible or prayers, with hierarchy legalizing models displayed by Sr. Joan Chittister to overcome the mainstream arguments that are drawn from theology, law, and scripture to preserve the status quo.
In conclusion, John 20:1-9 emphasizes the fundamental role that faith plays in embracing renewal in the Catholic Church, especially during times of conflict and crisis. It is important to note that renewal is not something that happens overnight or necessarily in a linear fashion. Throughout history, the Church has undergone periods of change and rebirth, including the Counter-Reformation, the post-Vatican II era, the Church’s missionary movements, and the debate on women’s roles in the Church. The continued need for renewal shows that the Church remains committed to promoting Catholicism in contemporary setting while staying true to tradition and social welfare.
The Importance of Evidence and Openness to Mystery,
John 20:1-9 is a pivotal passage in the Christian Bible, one that has inspired countless discussions and interpretations over the centuries. At its core, this passage deals with the fundamental relationship between faith and reason, and helps us to understand how these two seemingly disparate elements can complement and enhance one another.
At the beginning of John 20, we see Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb where Jesus has been laid, only to find it empty. Stricken with grief, she runs to tell Peter and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, that the body has been taken away. Upon hearing this news, Peter and John run to the tomb to see for themselves.
Once they arrive, John sees the linen wrappings lying there by themselves, and believes that Jesus has risen from the dead. Peter, on the other hand, seems to be more skeptical, and it isn’t until later on in the chapter that he grasps the importance of what has happened.
On the surface, this passage may seem like a straightforward account of Jesus’ resurrection, but its implications for the relationship between faith and reason run much deeper. In particular, there are several key ideas in this passage that shed light on how we can best integrate faith and reason in our spiritual lives.
The first key idea is the importance of evidence in our beliefs. John, upon seeing the empty tomb and the linen wrappings, believes that Jesus has risen from the dead. He doesn’t simply take this on faith – he experiences it firsthand, and bases his belief on what he sees and observes. This is a crucial lesson for us as Christians – we should always be willing to seek out evidence for what we believe, whether that’s through personal experience or through careful study and reflection.
At the same time, however, John’s faith isn’t reducible to reason alone. We see this in his response when he sees that the tomb is empty – he believes that Jesus has risen, but he doesn’t necessarily understand how or why. His faith goes beyond what is immediately visible or rational, and is grounded in something deeper and more mysterious.
This leads us to the second key idea in John 20:1-9 – the importance of openness to mystery. While John may have seen evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, he still wrestles with the deeper implications of this event. He doesn’t immediately understand why Jesus has risen, or what this means for his own life and faith. Instead, he remains open to the possibility that there is something more going on than he can fully comprehend.
This openness to mystery is an essential element of faith, and one that is often difficult to maintain in a world that worships certainty and control. We are often tempted to reduce our belief to a set of clear-cut propositions or dogmas, laying claim to a certainty that we cannot fully possess. But John’s example reminds us that faith involves a willingness to dwell in the realm of the unknown, to grapple with complexity and ambiguity, and to remain open to the possibility of mystery.
Finally, John 20:1-9 teaches us about the importance of community in our faith journey. Peter and John go to the tomb together, sharing their experience of Jesus’ absence and their eventual realization of his resurrection. This process of mutual support and encouragement is essential to our own spiritual growth – we cannot thrive in isolation, but must instead seek out the company of fellow believers who can help us to navigate the challenges and mysteries of faith.
Moreover, it is only through the community of faith that we can truly integrate reason and faith. For too long, these two elements have been pitted against each other, with reason seen as a threat to faith and faith seen as an antidote to reason. But as the example of Peter and John shows, it is only through dialogue and shared experience that we can truly see how reason and faith can complement and enrich one another. Reason can help us to understand the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, while faith can help us to grasp its deeper significance and mystery.
In conclusion, John 20:1-9 offers us a rich and complex portrait of faith and reason. It reminds us of the importance of evidence and openness to mystery, and urges us to seek out the support of communities of faith as we navigate our spiritual journeys. And it points us towards a vision of faith that is neither naive nor reductionistic, but takes seriously the complexity and depth of human experience. May we all learn from the example of John, Peter, and Mary Magdalene as we seek to integrate reason and faith in our own lives.
Catholic Voices
Peter Kreeft
Peter Kreeft is a philosopher and theologian who has written extensively on the subject of Jesus’ resurrection. One of his central arguments is that the resurrection is the most reasonable explanation for the historical evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and reported appearances after his death. Kreeft argues that other potential explanations, such as mass hysteria or conspiracy, do not fit all of the available facts. He also emphasizes the importance of the resurrection as evidence of Jesus’ divine nature and the truth of Christianity.
In Jewish culture at the time, women were typically considered to be second-class citizens and were not allowed to bear witness in court or participate in religious activities in the same way that men could.
However, in John 20:1-9, Mary is the first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection, and she is the one who tells the disciples about it. In effect, Mary becomes the first evangelist, spreading the good news of Jesus’ triumph over death. This can be seen as a powerful statement in favor of social justice and gender equality, underlining the importance of women’s voices in the early Christian movement.
Moreover, the power dynamic that is portrayed in this passage can serve to highlight issues of social injustice that continue to affect society today. In many parts of the world, people who hold positions of power or authority are accorded greater respect and credibility than those without, even if they have little or no knowledge or experience in a certain field.
This dynamic can work against people who are marginalized or disempowered, because their voices are often ignored or dismissed. However, this passage is a reminder that power and authority are not enough to make a person credible or trustworthy. Rather, it is their ability to speak the truth and create meaningful change that matters.
John 20:1-9 describes the account of Mary Magdalene discovering that Jesus had risen from the dead on the first Easter Sunday. This event provides many lessons and insights relevant to the pro-life and abortion debate. Firstly, the Bible repeatedly affirms the value and sanctity of human life, including the unborn. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This shows that life is a blessing from God, and that every human being, including the unborn, deserves protection and care.
Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death and sin show that every human life matters and has a purpose. This means that even if a life is conceived under difficult or challenging circumstances, it still has value and potential for good. Abortion, which involves the deliberate ending of a human life in the womb, goes against the teachings of the Bible and the value of human life.
In conclusion, while John 20:1-9 is not directly related to the pro-life and abortion issue, the message of the Easter story emphasizes the sanctity and value of human life, including the unborn, and how every person has a purpose and value in the eyes of God.
John 20:1-9 describes the first appearance of the resurrected Christ to the disciples. In this chapter, Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb and finds that the stone has been rolled away. She runs to tell Peter and John, who run to the tomb to find it is empty.
This biblical account is often related to the vocations to priesthood, diaconate, and religious life because it symbolizes the devotion and commitment of these callings. Just as Mary Magdalene was devoted to his teachings, so too are those who answer the call to religious life. The empty tomb represents not a dead body, but the fulfilled promise of eternal life, which is at the heart of Christian faith and the reason people answer to serve the Church.
Furthermore, the running of Peter and John to the tomb exemplifies the fervent spirit in which we pray for our future priests, deacons, and religious, and support new members seeking to respond to their vocation. The message is a very clear and powerful reminder that when we are called to serve God, we must be swift in our response and share the good news with others.
John 20:1-9 has deep implications for Catholic theology of the body and the concept of love and sexuality. The resurrection of Jesus represents the pinnacle of God’s love for humanity, and it has the power to transform one’s body and soul. As Catholics, we believe that God created humanity with both a physical and spiritual nature. The theology of the body affirms the goodness of the human body and the importance of the physical in our relationship with God and others.
Sexuality is a central aspect of our physical nature, and therefore it holds immense significance in Catholic theology of the body. The Catholic Church teaches that sexuality is a gift from God that is meant to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. This view takes on particular significance when we consider the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb.
Mary’s encounter with the empty tomb is symbolic of the emptiness that can result when we seek love and fulfillment outside of God’s plan for sexuality. Mary Magdalene had a reputation as a great sinner, but the resurrection of Jesus brings her redemption and new life. Similarly, when we turn away from God’s plan for sexuality, it results in spiritual emptiness and a distorted view of love.
The resurrection also reflects the supernatural transformation of the body. When Jesus rose from the dead, his body was transformed in a way that transcended the physical laws of nature. This transformation serves as a model for our own bodies and souls. As Catholics, we believe that the body will be resurrected in its glorified form at the end of time.
Catholic theology of the body teaches that the physical acts as a pointer to the spiritual, and the resurrection is the ultimate expression of this. It affirms the unity of the body and soul, and the infinite value that God places on each individual. This value is not based on physical attractiveness or sexual performance, but rather on the intrinsic worth of a person as a child of God.
The resurrection also provides a necessary corrective to a culture that often views the body as a commodity to be used and exploited for pleasure. Instead, the resurrection points to a higher purpose for the body and sexuality – to be used in loving service to others and in fulfilling God’s plan for marriage and family.
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