First reading
Acts 10:34, 37–43
‘We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 117(118):1–2, 16–17, 22–23
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Second reading
Colossians 3:1–4
Look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is.
Gospel acclamation
1 Corinthians 5:7–8
Christ has become our paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord.
Gospel
John 20:1–9
He must rise from the dead.
Images from the Word
- Came to the tomb
- Saw and believed
- Rise from the dead
- Anointed him
- Hidden with Christ
Liturgical notes
The fundamental importance of Sunday has been recognized through two thousand years of history and was emphatically restated by the Second Vatican Council: ‘Every seven days, the Church celebrates the Easter mystery. This is a tradition going back to the Apostles, taking its origin from the actual day of Christ’s Resurrection—a day thus appropriately designated ‘the Lord’s Day’.’
—Dies Domini, §3
In his encyclical on keeping Sunday holy, St John Paul II reminded us that the importance of Sunday is based upon today’s great feast of Easter. The actual celebration of Easter as a special feast day did not come to Rome until the middle of the second century. Previously, the sacrament of the resurrection with the celebration of the Mass occurred every Sunday. The community sings ‘Alleluia’ and draws life for the coming week from their encounter with the resurrected Christ.
‘I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia’
—entrance antiphon