Gospel for April 9 2023 – John 20:1-9
Gospel Reflections for April 9 2023
Easter changes everything!
For years, Jesus taught parables and performed miracles, and all of this had a tremendous effect. He made people profoundly happy! He also claimed to be the long-awaited Savior who would lead people to lasting happiness. However, archaeologists today affirm that many other people at that time did the same thing, …so how was Jesus different?
Before Easter, people saw Jesus as a wise man who could interpret scriptures with profound insights and heal sick people. They also knew He was a courageous preacher unlike others, and had attracted thousands of followers. But none of that made a lasting difference in history.
After all, people saw other talented people do the same things. They remembered the wisdom of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Jewish prophets too. These were towering figures in the ancient world known for their intelligence and wisdom. Wise people were everywhere.
What happened on Easter Sunday morning changed everything.
Earlier, on Good Friday, Jesus was brutally crucified and buried, leaving the Roman soldiers naturally thinking, “Well …that’s the end of him!” Yet, on that first Easter Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the dead. That changed everything!
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and wise Jewish prophets had also died …and remained so. However, Jesus rose from the dead. Take note of that!
No longer can we simply look at Jesus as just another wise teacher. Now we must recognize He is the Son of God, and that His words and deeds are directly from God. That means we must look at everything He did and said in a whole new light as well.
Either the story of the resurrection of Jesus is true or it is not true. If not true, then we can sleep in on Sundays. However, if true, then it is worth our taking seriously, which means that His life, His words, and His deeds are directly from God, and worth our thoughtful reflection.
Why is it worthwhile to study and follow Him? We believe that living the life of Jesus will make you profoundly happier, no matter what you are facing, just as He revealed when He lived so many years ago.
His resurrection is God’s affirmation that His words and deeds are worth following precisely because they are from God …and provide lasting happiness. Happy Easter!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
HAPPY, HAPPY EASTER, FATHER DAVE! GOD BLESS YOU, ALWAYS,!!
Peter and Joan
Happy Easter Season to you!
Easter Blessings Father Dave
Please keep us in your prayers
Our middle daughter Jennifer is getting married in India April 17and we will all be there
Love,
Bill & Paulla
Congratulations to Jennifer. Quite a destination wedding!
Father’s thoughtful comments will bring a new happiness to many !
Thanks you!
The Resurrection was of monumental importance changing time and course of History. Introducing the path to Eternal Life . The World was turned upside down with His teachings and cures. His thoughts and words if followed provided a path to happiness and Love.
Happy Easter to all and may we all enjoy the celebration of this Great and Glorious Event.
There is no other event in all of human history as the resurrection of Jesus.
Thank you Father Dave for such an insightful truth. Your Lentil reflections are so meaningful to me as well as other reflections. We are blessed to have you!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Happy Easter, Fr. Dave and may the Risen Jesus shower you
with His Blessings!
Thank you for your prayers!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus, loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee His loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Loveeeeeeeee his Resurrection!!! May we live our life with Jesus’ love living in us!!! and sharing Jesus’ love with others!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you our Father Dave for you beautifully live our precious Jesus’ Love!!! Happy. Glorious Easter!!! Loveeeeeeeeeee you!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick and a glorious Easter to all of you beautiful friends who write and give your beautiful thoughts!!! You tooooooooooooooooo make the world beautiful by living Jesus’ LOVE!!!
Thank you!
☀️🌷 May this day bring you joy, peace, and happiness. Happy Easter!
Easter Sunday is always a great source of happiness for me.
Happy Easter, Father Dave!
Wondering if you can answer a question I seem to have almost every year. Does Saint Bruno parish collect old palms for the rite of burning them? Or if not, would you know what parish in our area does so. I was told to either burn them or bury them. If I burn them what should I do with the ashes? Inquiring minds want to know. Thank you Fr., and God bless.
Great question! You can either burn them and spread the ashes around on the ground, or bury them. I am not aware of any “rite of burning or burying” I think it is just something that is done simply and respectfully. Hope this helps!