Theme of the Day: He Lives to Take Me from Death to Life
A dead Jesus would do no one any good. But a resurrected Jesus? That would change everything; that would make Easter the most important event that has ever happened. Today God wants us to know with certainty that Jesus lives. Because if Jesus lives, then so will his believers. God had told his Church what was going to happen. Jesus told his disciples what would transpire in Jerusalem. The disciples were slow to believe the Easter truth. But God ensured that his people had witnesses to proclaim that Jesus lives again. He suffered and died according to Scripture (Second Reading), he fulfilled the sign of Jonah (First Reading), and it was attested to by angels (Gospel).
Christ is risen indeed! Jesus has removed the fear of eternal death. Jesus has transformed physical death. It is not punitive. For the believer, it is the pathway into Paradise. Jesus has made us spiritually alive by giving us faith in his resurrection. Jesus lives! So, in every possible way, Jesus takes us from death to life.
Matthew 28:1-10
Jonah 2:2-9
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118
438 – Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
439 – Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
441 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives
443 – Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
461 – He Is Arisen! Glorious Word!
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Alleluia.