The Open Tomb

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. 

John 20:1-9

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

HAPPY EASTER!

Early in the morning, Mary Magdalane comes to the tomb of Christ and in the darkness she encounters a light which she never could have possibly imagined. Two thousand years ago, Mary found a tomb that had once been sealed shut and found it now opened. On this morning, before the sun even rose, Mary saw that the stone which had once shut her teacher, her Rabbi, into His tomb was now gone. Mary, the first one to find that Jesus' tomb was open and He was no longer there, now becomes the great witness to the whole world of the Resurrection of Christ. 

On this Sunday morning, you and I have the opportunity to experience the same joy and light that Mary experienced and shared with the disciples, for that tomb which brought about the defeat of death is still open today! On this Sunday morning, you and I have the opportunity to encounter the light, hope, peace, joy, and truth that comes with the Person of Jesus who has defeated death and darkness. 

There isn't really much more to say, is there? He is risen. Alleluia, our Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia. May this day be a day of joy, of hope, and of the true light of the risen Christ. 

The following is from a message from Pope Benedict XVI in 2011; enjoy, and enjoy the unfathomable joy of the defeat of death which we celebrate today (click here to read this whole message, from the Urbi et Orbi in 2011).

"Easter morning brings us news that is ancient yet ever new: Christ is risen! The echo of this event, which issued forth from Jerusalem twenty centuries ago, continues to resound in the Church, deep in whose heart lives the vibrant faith of Mary, Mother of Jesus, the faith of Mary Magdalene and the other women who first discovered the empty tomb, and the faith of Peter and the other Apostles.

Right down to our own time – even in these days of advanced communications technology – the faith of Christians is based on that same news, on the testimony of those sisters and brothers who saw firstly the stone that had been rolled away from the empty tomb and then the mysterious messengers who testified that Jesus, the Crucified, was risen. And then Jesus himself, the Lord and Master, living and tangible, appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally to all eleven, gathered in the Upper Room (cf. Mk 16:9-14).

The resurrection of Christ is not the fruit of speculation or mystical experience: it is an event which, while it surpasses history, nevertheless happens at a precise moment in history and leaves an indelible mark upon it. The light which dazzled the guards keeping watch over Jesus’ tomb has traversed time and space. It is a different kind of light, a divine light, that has rent asunder the darkness of death and has brought to the world the splendour of God, the splendour of Truth and Goodness."

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What does the open tomb mean for you?

In this Easter, how are you going to invite the victory of Christ to reign in your life? How will you grow in your relationship with Him through this great celebration ?

​How will you share the joy of the Resurrection with those you encounter today?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"You are risen!"

"Alleluia!"

"Death has been defeated."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Today, simply enjoy the resurrection. Give yourself the chance to simply be present to those around you, to focus on the new, and to rejoice with those who around you. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Jason Theobald, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL. 

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.