Reflection for Sunday – April 5, 2026

Deirdre McKiernan HetzlerSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Acts 10.34a,37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18 
Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler

Jesus Christ is Risen today! Our triumphant holy day! Alleluia!

Easter was not just a good day for Jesus, but for all of us. For all creation, too. Resurrection means new life. In this part of the world, nature testifies to that, doesn’t it? Crocuses and snowdrops … Bringing joy and the hope that spring will soon be fully flourishing. A little blue sky and sunshine enable us to see life differently after a seemingly long winter.

Peter certainly learned to see things differently in our first reading, didn’t he? Although it took a couple of visions and Gentile visitors Peter was challenged to see the traditional religious bias of “us” and “them” differently. What are you and I challenged to see differently today? Peter’s newfound understanding of God’s impartiality has been foundational to our faith ever since Reverence for the Lord and doing justice are what is necessary. Jesus is Lord of all. And judge of the living and the dead.

Paul explores this thinking in his letter to the Colossians, who were having some issues. He reminds them (and us) that they rose with Christ in baptism. Therefore, if they (we) understood better who Christ is and all he has done for them (and us) they (we)would put away anger, malice and slander. They (we) would speak truth, rather than lies. In Christ, there are no divisions, Paul insists. Christ is neither A nor B, but is all and in all.

The empty tomb is a visible sign that a new creation has begun. Although the gospel accounts vary on some points, all agree on these two: That resurrection happened on the first day of the week. And that it is Mary Magdalene who is first to go to the tomb.

Breaking through her fear of the authorities, Mary set out just before dawn. Driven by her concern to tend to the body of her teacher and friend. Those of us who have experienced the suffering and death of a loved one will understand the depth of her grief.

To her great surprise, the stone enclosure is gone! Astounded and bewildered, she runs to tell Peter and the beloved disciple. In her incomprehension, she offers them her assumed explanation: grave robbers. The two men run to the tomb, entering separately. The other disciple “saw and believed.” But believed what, since as yet, they didn’t understand the Scriptures? So they go home, for goodness’ sake!

The American bishops postpone telling the rest of the story for a later day. But the Canadian bishops’ lectionary goes further.

Weeping, Mary looks in and sees two angels, who ask her about her tears. Sharing her assumptions, she turns, not recognizing the risen Jesus behind her. Until he calls her name.

Then, Jesus sends Mary to the disciples to proclaim his good news (aka the gospel!) The first person to preach the gospel was commissioned by Jesus himself. A woman! In a time that women were not accepted as witnesses. Talk about seeing things differently.

Resurrection means new life. A new way of living and seeing which compels us to respond to suffering in our world with hope and love. Realizing this awesome potential enables us to colonize earth with the life of heaven.

Because I have family there, I confess Minneapolis comes to mind immediately. How people reached out to one another. Helped and protected each other. People who didn’t know each other became neighbors far beyond their local geography. A city transformed into a community. In the words of the poet William Butler Yeats, “A terrible beauty is born.”

New life can be seen everywhere, when we see with God’s eyes. Many falsely imprisoned, released through supporters of the Innocence Project and Catholic Mobilizing Network. Caring for God’s creation, groups everywhere support sustainability efforts.

What Easter means is nothing less than the astonishing truth that all matter is caught up in God’s redeeming Easter activity. Nothing has the power to keep us from becoming the best that God calls us to be. Easter happens whenever we recognize that the love of Christ has broken our chains and scattered our darkness. In his victory over death, a new way of living is possible for us. His victory is ours, and in it, the whole universe is restored. 

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler
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