REFLECT:
The Easter story as recorded in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:1-7) tells us that Mary Magdalene, the first Easter witness, was greeted in the empty tomb by an angel who said to her:  “Do not be amazed.  You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.  He has been raised; he is not here.  But go and tell the disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you see him as he told you.” This is the culmination of the Gospel: Jesus, who was crucified, is risen!  He lives and reigns forever and ever! The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death. “Come and see!”  Love is more powerful, love gives life, love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.  Easter calls us to rejoice in the power and love of Jesus our Risen Lord who fills us with joy and leads us to be joyful witnesses of the faith to others.  He is risen as he said:  Alleluia! Alleluia!

PRAY:
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. "The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus' resurrection;
Bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, my Christ my hope is arisen:
To Galilee he goes before you." Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
(Easter Sequence)

ACT:
Read the Easter story (John 20:1-9 or Mark 16;1-7) and reflect on the gift of the Easter Jesus and pray that your heart will be open to receive the gifts of Easter:  joy, peace, love and hope