Christ has risen! Death was defeated, and Easter Sunday starts the Easter Octave. It is a week long meditation that focuses on God’s Divine mercy:
https://rejoiceandpraise.ca/2022/04/16/divine-mercy-novena-prayers/
It is a solemn meditation and a special time for each of us to focus and celebrate God’s Divine Mercy. In the readings of the 2 day of the Easter Octave, the Gospel (Matthew 28:8-15) amplifies God’s Divine Mercy – that no matter how dubious or dark our past may be, we have been given the gift of Christ’s blood – and – forgiven. Our sinful stains washed away so that we may begin a new life in Christ. Alleluia!
When we imagine ourselves in front of the tomb, scared yet anxious, and then perplexed when we see the rock that sealed the tomb gone, we run in. Where is Christ’s body? The body of Jesus is gone.
I think of myself – a sinner – given the grace to stand in the empty tomb making this discovery. The first thing I do is run and look to tell others, but I am stopped when I see Jesus walking towards me. He tells me not to be afraid. I see the wounds still raw in his hands and feet. I am astounded and joyous. Jesus tells me to tell his disciples to meet Him in Galilee. I run to claim the good news. Jesus has risen!
Gospel Mt 28:8-15
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”
While they were going, some of the guard went into the city
and told the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel;
then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
telling them, “You are to say,
‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
And if this gets to the ears of the governor,
we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
From: https://staugustines.house/easter-octave/
Lauds in Easter week –
1. Light’s glitt’ring morn bedecks the sky,
Heaven thunders forth its victor cry,
The glad earth shouts its triumph high,
And groaning hell makes wild reply:
2. While he, the King of glorious might
Treads down death’s strength in death’s despite,
And trampling hell by victor’s right,
Brings forth his sleeping Saints to light.
~Office Hymn
Let us take the time this week to pray the Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet. Let us lift up the names of all those around us and ourselves for God’s Divine Mercy and grace.
God Bless 💖
Be Inspired! 