Sunday, April 20th

Scripture

Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Ps. 118: 1-2, 16-27, 22-23
Col. 3:1-4 or 1 Cor. 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9

Reflection

“He saw and believed.” Jn. 20:8b

As the saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” I’m not sure this is always true, however. It isn’t true for Peter in this gospel scene. Both Peter and John have been with Jesus for three years. They both have heard, seen, and experienced amazing things while in Jesus’ company, yet at the empty tomb only John “saw and believed.” Why is this? Could it be because John was the “one whom Jesus loved?” I envision John as having an “aha” moment and being filled with great joy. In his heart, it now all makes sense, and the truth that death is not the end becomes real. John’s love for Jesus and from Jesus leads to his believing.

When tragedy strikes us—a death, an illness, a broken relationship— may John be our model to overcome the tragedy with belief in the love and promises of Jesus…promises that will lead to deep joy.

Prayer

Gracious God, as we begin our 50-day season of resurrection, may
we, too, be known as “the one whom Jesus loves,” and may that
love open our hearts to see, believe, and experience a deep joy
only Jesus can provide.

Personal Challenge

See…Believe…Love…Deep Joy
Amen! Alleluia!

Sister Janice Grochowsky
Dodge City, KS