EASTER SUNDAY HOMILY, YEAR B, JOHN 20:1-9, MARCH 31, 2024
1. STORY
John lived in a small fishing village where the entire village revolved around
the fishing industry. There was a
volunteer rescue team to help out cases of emergency. One windy and rainy night, a fishing boat in
trouble sent out an S.O.S. The captain
of the volunteer rescue team and his crew launched their rowboat into the rough
sea while the villagers waited on the beach. An hour later the rescue boat reappeared and
the cheering villagers ran to greet them. The exhausted crew reported that they had saved
all but one. The captain called for
another volunteer to go rescue the remaining person. Sixteen-year-old John
volunteered. His mother pleaded with him
not to go as his father died in a shipwreck ten years ago and his older
brother, Paul, was lost at sea three weeks ago. John said he must go and joined the team. After an hour, the rescue boat appeared.
The captain called out, “Did you find the lost man?” John yelled back, “Yes, we found him. Tell my mother it’s my older brother Paul.”
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 20:1-9
A. SORROW AT THE TOMB.
Mary of Magdala went with sorrow to the tomb on Easter morning
and was shocked to find the stone removed from the tomb. She reported to Peter that the body of Jesus
had been taken away and they did not know where it was.
B. JOY AT THE TOMB.
Peter and the beloved disciple ran to the tomb. The beloved disciple looked in the tomb and believed that Jesus had risen from the dead as he had said. They were filled with great joy.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. MANY DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION.
Today many scoff at the idea that there is life after death. Many do not believe that Jesus rose from the
dead. Many believe that at death, life
comes to an end and it is wishful thinking based on ignorance or
superstition to think that there is an afterlife.
B. WE BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION.
We believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that he is alive. As disciples of Jesus, we believe we also will rise to eternal life, a life of eternal happiness with him. This belief makes it possible for us to live a life of joy, peace, and happiness while on earth. Easter is a great day for us to rejoice knowing that Jesus has given us the gift of eternal life. Our hearts are filled with joy.
4. CONCLUSION
John was full of joy having helped to save his older brother Paul. The sorrowful disciples were filled with joy
when they believed that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive. We are full of joy knowing that Jesus is alive
and has given us the great gift of eternal life. We ask Jesus to give us the strength to share
this good news with others. We can say
to all, HAPPY EASTER.
