The Empty Tomb

Today's Reflections
 

The Empty Tomb 

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Jn 20:1a, 2-8

^1aOn the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala ²ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” ³So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. ⁴They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; ⁵he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. ⁶When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, ⁷and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. ⁸Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Reflection:

The other disciple whom Jesus loved. Tradition regards St. John the Apostle as the author of the Fourth Gospel. In the post-resurrection narrative used as Gospel for today, he is described as “the other disciple whom Jesus loved.”

John bends down and sees the burial cloths in the tomb, but does not go in. He waits for Peter who must be the first to see and know everything. John respects the primacy and authority of Peter as the head of the Twelve.

People tend to resent and usurp authority. Some undermine those who are at the top and backstab those who give orders. They do not cooperate if what they want is not given to them. If they are not elected to lead an organization, some people tend to form breakaway groups. They sourgrape and spread negative remarks against those who are chosen.

John sees and believes. There is no need of evidence, explanation, or examination. He believes that Jesus has truly risen from the dead, as he had told them. The empty tomb is a sign of the resurrection. Faith in Jesus’ words clears all doubts.

Let us ask St. John to help us see, believe, and accept what God is telling and giving us, and become disciples whom Jesus loves.

What are the sources of hope and joy in my life?

Do I rise with Jesus, stand, and live for him?