Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
They both ran. (John 20:4)
When we are sick, we run to the doctor’s. When there is a big sale at a store, we run to the shopping mall. When we see a little toddler fall down, we run to comfort him and pick him up. Today’s Gospel tells us that Peter and John ran as well. They ran to the tomb on Easter Sunday, once Mary Magdalene told them that Jesus’ body was missing.
It seems that a lot of people ran to find Jesus. There was a Roman centurion, a demon-possessed man, and a woman with a blood disorder. There was a fellow with leprosy, a woman known as a sinner, and the tax collector Zacchaeus. The mother of a possessed child, a wealthy young man, and blind Bartimaeus also ran to him. And let’s not forget all the people who crowded around Jesus at every town he visited.
Jesus once said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). He also said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (11:28). And “I will not reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37). It’s an open invitation. There are no conditions, no strings attached. Jesus wants everyone to come to him, just as they are.
Today, as you celebrate the most important event in human history, accept Jesus’ invitation. Run to him. Don’t hold back because you think you’re not worthy. Run to receive his overflowing mercy. Run to receive him as the Living Bread at Mass.
When Peter and John ran to the tomb, their hearts were filled with hope. On this Easter Sunday, let’s also place our hope in the One who “is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). When we run to Jesus, we will find him. He has risen. He is alive. He wants to help us just as much as he helped all those people who ran to him.
“Lord, I believe that you have risen. Thank you for calling me to your side!”
Acts 10:34, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3:1-4
