Reflection Date: April 07, 2026 | Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18
Children of God:
Among the earliest proofs of the resurrection shared by the first Christians was the empty tomb.
It was simple yet powerful evidence that something extraordinary had taken place.
The body of Jesus was no longer there, and that fact demanded an explanation.
For believers, it became a sign of victory over death. For skeptics, it raised questions and doubts.
Yet the empty tomb could not be easily dismissed because it was witnessed by many.
The early Christians pointed to it as the starting point of their proclamation.
It became the foundation of their faith and preaching. More than a physical absence, it pointed to a new presence. Jesus is risen!
In the gospel of John, the empty tomb became the beginning of a personal encounter.
Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb weeping, still searching for the body of Jesus. She did not immediately understand what had happened.
Then, in a simple yet profound moment, everything changed when she heard her name spoken.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, encountering Christ often happens in moments of confusion and grief.
Mary Magdalene remained outside the tomb, crying and searching for answers.
Even when she saw the angels, her heart was still focused on loss.
She thought someone had taken the body of Jesus and did not yet recognize the deeper reality of the resurrection.
When Jesus appeared to her, she did not recognize him at first.
It was only when Jesus called her by name, “Mary!” that her eyes were opened and she responded, “Rabbouni!”
That personal moment transformed her.
In our lives, we also experience moments of confusion, grief, and unanswered questions.
Yet these moments can become places of encounter with Christ.
When we listen closely, we may realize that the Lord is already present, calling us personally even in our pain.
Second, being called by Christ leads us to a mission of sharing.
After recognizing Jesus, Mary Magdalene received a mission.
Her personal encounter was not meant to remain private.
She was sent to share the good news with the disciples.
Her encounter became her own testimony. Jesus is risen!
Every encounter with Christ carries a responsibility.
Like Mary, we are called to bring the message of life and resurrection into our families, communities, and daily interactions.
We can reflect on these questions in our hearts. When I experience confusion or sorrow, do I remain open to encountering Christ in those moments?
Do I recognize the times when God calls me personally, even in simple and quiet ways? And how do I share my experience of faith so that others may also come to know the Lord?
Children of God:
The empty tomb tells us that Jesus is no longer confined to death but is alive and active in our lives.
Like what happened to Mary Magdalene, the risen Christ also calls each of us by name.
He meets us in our struggles and transforms our understanding.
And as we live this message each day, we become witnesses of the risen Lord in the world.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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