16 April 2017
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34, 37-43
Psalm 117: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3: 1-4
The Gospel of John 20: 1-9
It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’ So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Character of Christ’s Resurrection
The Resurrection of Christ is of the same kind as that which awaits us in the resurrection. But the following peculiarities must be noted:
Christ’s Resurrection is a glorious one; it is not only the reunion of body and soul, but also the glorification of the body.
Christ’s body knew no corruption, he rose when sufficient time had elapsed to leave no doubt as to the reality of His death.
Christ was the first to rise unto life immortal; those raised before Him died again (Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 15:20).
He rose from the dead by His own divine power (John 2:19; 10:17-18).
The Resurrection is the main proof of Christ’s Divine mission, it has a greater dogmatic importance than any other fact. “If Christ be not risen again, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Importance of the Resurrection
The Resurrection is the fundamental argument of the Christian faith.
It shows the justice of God who exalted Christ to a life of glory, after he humbled Himself unto death (Philippians 2:8-9).
The Resurrection completed the mystery of our salvation; by His death Christ freed us from sin, and by His Resurrection He restored to us the privileges lost by sin (Romans 4:25).
By His Resurrection we acknowledge Christ as the immortal God, the cause of our own resurrection (1 Cor 15:21), and as the model and source of our life of grace (Romans 6:4-6).Cf.
Catholic Encyclopedia, Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Next Sunday’s readings
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47
Psalm 117:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31
Psalter week II
Fifty days of Joy
The Paschal tide is a season of joy and it lasts longer than Lent. Yes, we celebrate more than we do penance. The liturgical color is now white, the Te Deum, the Gloria and the Regina Caeli are prayed, Holy Mother Church invites us to rejoice and we can again exclaim, Alleluia! The victory is won, Jesus has conquered death, so why look for him among the dead? Our Saviour is risen and where the head has gone, we, his mystical body will follow.
May the joy of the Risen Christ be our strength in these Fifty Days and may all have a Happy Easter!
Fr. Carlos, Fr. Jim and Fr. Fernando.
Weekly News
Thanks to all who helped in the Passion of the Lord 2017. For the fourth consecutive year, we had the grace of representing the Way of the Cross, thus proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ to the world. We pray for the fruits of this common effort of the Christian Community of Paphos. Congratulations!
For Sick Calls at home or the hospital, please call Fr. Carlos, Fr. Fernando or Fr. Jim. Numbers in the back of Newsletter.
CARITAS PAPHOS: We need nοn-perishable food to help the poor in the Paphos area. Prayers and Donations welcomed.
Grand Day Out in Kyrenia: Fri 5 May, departing at 8am. €30 includes coach. Raffle. Call Mona 99494140, or Linda 99562387.
Archangel Michael Hospice: Volunteers needed in the areas of reception, nursing assistants and cafeteria. Contact Mona 99494140
Mass Times HERE