the other linen cloths, but lay rolled up in its place. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. Scripture clearly said that Jesus must rise from the dead, but they had not yet understood that.

Lectio Divina

READ: Mary of Magdala cannot figure out the meaning of the empty tomb. She needs help. Peter, in the First Reading, preaches the resurrection of Jesus and invites people to conversion. Paul asks the believers to level up in their value system.

REFLECT: Faith in the resurrection of Christ is not automatic. Knowing or being informed of the details like stone cover moved, empty tomb, linens lying flat, and cloth around his head, is not enough. These are necessary to establish the veracity of the resurrection. Now what to do with them? They can be misinterpreted. Mary of Magdala herself claims Jesus’ body is taken away by someone and is relocated. Peter is quiet about what he sees. He does not go further. Only the other disciple, supposedly John whom Jesus loves makes the act of faith. He sees and believes. The author  makes a significant commentary why some have not readily concluded  that  Jesus is risen from the dead. They fail to see its meaning because they have not understood the holy scriptures. They know the scriptures, but have not understood it. It is very important to be in contact with God’s Word in the Old Testament.  Had  they  understood  this, they could have believed right away. For us Christians today, we can appreciate our faith better if we are grounded in the Sacred Scriptures, both the Old and the New Testaments  and  understand  the message they basically convey.

PRAY: Pray to God for an enlightened faith and that the Spirit of the Lord may guide you in your spiritual journey.

ACT: To facilitate your spiritual growth, go to your spiritual director. Have one if you don’t have. Join a group that values the teachings of the Church, the Bible and sacraments.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019