Easter Divine Service
- NAC News
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
John 20: 17-18
Where are we in the Bible?
We are at the climactic turning point and closing movement of the gospel according to John, following the passion narrative of chapters 18–19 (Good Friday service), where Jesus has been crucified, died, and buried. Jesus has been presented as the incarnate Word, the Lamb of God, and the one who reveals the Father. Now, on “the first day of the week,” the narrative shifts from death to resurrection. The setting is the garden near the tomb, echoing creation imagery that has framed the gospel from its opening verses. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ marks the beginning of the resurrection appearances and signals the start of a new creation reality. Historically, we are in first-century Judea under Roman occupation; theologically, we stand at the decisive moment where the glory of God is revealed not in suffering alone, but in triumph over death. Spiritually, we stand at the threshold of an encounter with the risen Christ on this Easter Sunday!
Summary
The resurrection invites us to move beyond clinging to the past and to step into the new life Christ offers. As we live and share the power of His resurrection, we trust that all souls will encounter Him personally, as our role is to faithfully bear witness to all. The
resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms His divine Sonship and the truth of the gospel, stands as the foundation of our faith, and sends us out with a message of hope, calling us to share the joy of the resurrection with our neighbors as its life-giving effects continue in the world.
Foundational readings:
Scripture John 20:1-18
Catechism 12.5.4, 8.2.8, 5.3.4.4
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