THE WORD OF LIFE…

1 John 1:1-4 
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life–2 the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us–3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.4 And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.

John 20:1-8 

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb.
4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first;
5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying,7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;

MEDITATION

St JOHN “the disciple whom Jesus loved” meaning the most trustworthy servant of all twelve apostles who ‘never’ abandoned Christ, found it absolutely nessesary to share his joy to the whole Church and testify and place on record his first-hand witness account, that “the word was made manifest,” when the eleven witnessed and physically touched (Jn 20:27) the Ressurected body of Christ! 

THE GOSPEL READING: John recount the events of that Easter morning when he and Peter were allerted that the tomb in which Christ was burried, was found to be empty. John the younger apostle despite him outrunning Peter merely peered into the tomb then stepped back, to allow Peter his leader to step in and carry out a systematic formal enquiry; examine the facts before drawing any conclusions. Both John and Peter implicitly conclude that the body of Christ was stolen, wherefore they ended their investigation and went home! On a side note Johns stepping back allowing Peter to leed the investigation, express the supreme authority of the Pope— Bishop of Rome—to adjudicate, validate, define or affirm dogma on matters of faith and belief.

Death is an untimely event in so far as we cannot accurately determine the date or time of day we will depart from this world. Similarly, it would be very presumptuous of us to adduce personal evidence to prove our case that our bed is made in heaven if our ethic and moral compass defy the Gospel truth! We are however called to be hopeful whilst striving to be a holy righteous joyful people living out the “Word of God,” wearing a white linen cloth that signify purity and righteousness. Even if we are browbeaten–our handkerchief soaked with specks of sweat and blood, we must live with hope, dipped in the “Word of God” (Rev 19:13) knowing that in and through Christ all things are possible.To be sure, the angels of Christ will do their due diligence and report their findings about the state of our soul to the Word of life, upon our demise.  

LET US PRAY:Psalms 97:1-2,5-6,11-12

1 The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.11 Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.