Theme of the Day: All Will Be Made Alive
Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common, there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines human reaction to death and dying. One of the biggest reasons people fear death is the perception of its permanency. In the normal realm of human existence, dead is dead. Someone dies, and all you have are pictures and memories. That is the way people typically think, but it is far from reality. Today, Christ proves to us that death is not final at all!
Easter teaches us that Christ is the first fruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, “so in Christ all will be made alive.” That changes everything: the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, the way we feel when our health fails, the way we look at the purpose of life right now. Let us rejoice in this resurrection reality: All will be made alive!
Mark 16:1-8
Job 19:23-27
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Psalm 118B
438 – Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
471 – Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
439 – Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
441 – I Know That My Redeemer Lives
443 – Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
460 – Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven
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. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia.