To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Reflection for Saturday, April 26, 2025
The Easter Octave is Coming to a Close
Eight days of celebration and reflection on the Resurrection of Jesus—a profound reminder that the story doesn’t end at the cross. Through the silence of Holy Saturday, the story reaches its true culmination in the Resurrection. It is a mystery that transcends our understanding, yet it fills us with hope, enabling us to face the future with calm assurance. Beyond death is the life that God offers. Beyond evil is the Kingdom, because God, the Father of Jesus and our Father, cannot let everything end in death.
Yet, both then and now, the Resurrection has not been easy to grasp. Today’s Gospel, drawn from Mark, feels like a summary of the week’s readings, with an important emphasis on the disciples’ disbelief. The text mentions Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene and how she went to tell the disciples, but they “did not believe her when she said He was alive and that she had seen Him.” Then comes the account of the Emmaus disciples, who also shared their extraordinary encounter with the risen Jesus, only to be met with disbelief. Finally, Jesus Himself appears to the Eleven while they are (quite significantly) eating, and He confronts their lack of faith.
It must have been difficult for the disciples to comprehend and accept the reality of the Resurrection—that Jesus had returned to life. And it isn’t easy for us either, no matter how often we hear or celebrate it. We may know the story well, but have we fully embraced what it means for our lives and our faith? The God of Jesus, the Abbá, has brought Him to life—not a life like ours but a complete, unending Life. Now everything they experienced with Him, including His death on the cross, takes on new meaning. God is not a vengeful judge or an accuser; He is the God of Life, who cares for His children and opens a path of hope where we see only death and destruction. With the risen Jesus, we can believe and trust. Truly believe and trust.