EASTER VIGIL HOMILY, YEAR C, MARK 16:1-7, APRIL 20, 2025
1. STORY
On Wednesday of
Holy Week during the war, Mary’s tears were running down her face as she knelt
before the statue of the Blessed Virgin. Her son was missing in action. On Holy Thursday, Mary’s face was even sadder
as she knelt before the altar. On Good
Friday Mary was staring at the crucifix just like the Blessed Mother standing
beneath the cross. Then on Easter
Saturday night before the Easter Vigil started, she came to tell me the good
news. Her son was safe; he was a
prisoner of war. Her tears were tears of
joy. She said Happy Easter. It was the resurrection of her son.
2. GOSPEL, Mark
16:1-7
A. HE HAS BEEN
RAISED.
Mary Magdalene and another woman, deeply saddened by the death of Jesus, went to the tomb on Sunday morning with spices to anoint Jesus. They were utterly amazed to find the open tomb empty. They were even more filled with joy knowing that Jesus was alive.
B. GO AND TELL
HIS DISCIPLES.
The women were
given a mission. They were told to
inform the disciples of the great news that Jesus was alive for he had risen
from the dead. They became messengers of
joy.
3. APPPLICATION
TO LIFE
A. EASTER JOY AND
HAPPINESS.
Easter is a great feast which brings us great joy and happiness because it is the memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a reminder that through our faith in Jesus, expressed in our baptism, we too share eternal life. We will live forever with Jesus in happiness, joy, and peace.
B. SHARE THE GOOD
NEWS WITH OTHERS.
Just as the women
were told to share the good news that Jesus had risen, Jesus commands us to
tell the good news that he loves us and wishes us to share his joy, peace,
happiness and eternal life. Many living
in spiritual darkness and unhappiness await the light and joy that Jesus can
give them. We have the responsibility,
the ability, and the opportunity to become messengers of joy.
4. CONCLUSION
Mary was brought
from deep sadness to great joy when she received the joyful news that her son
was alive. The women were also brought
from deep sadness to great joy upon learning that Jesus was alive, he had risen
from the dead. We are filled with great
joy knowing that Jesus has shared his risen life with us who believe in him. We have the great gift of eternal life. For this reason, we can say Happy, Happy
Easter.
