*The first reading of the Book of Isaiah 60: 1-7

While the darkness of evil covers the earth and the blackness of his corruption intensifies the people, the Lord shines with light and glory, truth and righteousness; he amazes the world's people. The light of Christ guides all people and turns to his Church, where they enjoy the treasures of the grace of God. This light and glory will be manifested first by the exiled return from the people of God to Jerusalem to enjoy comfort and peace. This return after seventy years of exile will remain a symbol for all human generations that man is exposed to facing tragedies, disasters, calamities, and even epidemics due to his mistakes and sins and his estrangement from God. But God will not neglect them. Instead, he will raise new generations that believe in him and hear his words and turn to his parental power and mercy and bless him again with comfort and contentment. The people had previously tasted the bitterness of their hearts and minds preoccupying them with anything other than God for forty years, so the rebels died in the wilderness of Sinai and deprived them of the rest of a homeland that yields milk and honey. Their sons, who witnessed the miracles of the Lord, entered it and were brought up in the faith. The resurrection of Christ is proof of this faith, a guarantee of hope, and a source of patience.

 

*The Second reading from Romans 5: 20-6: 23

Paul taught that the law did not save the man but instead became a cause of the sins. This is how the whole human race hangs on the cross with Jesus and in his person. Just as Adam contained in himself all human beings and dragged them to corruption, Jesus had in himself on the cross all people to crucify their sin and forgive it for them; “Just as the sin of one person led all human beings to perdition, so the righteousness of one person justifies all men so that they receive life.” (Rum 5:18) In other words, every baptized person became another Messiah, who died with him on the Friday of Passion and rose on Sunday with glory and happiness. That is why it is not appropriate for him to return to the works of the flesh, to the passions and pleasures that the Holy Spirit burned in baptism and poured out into him the Spirit of God, the spirit of holiness in truth and righteousness. This is the resurrection of the Christian, and this is his feast, pride, and hope; “This is the day that the Lord made, so let us rejoice and rejoice in it.” (Psalm 117: 24).

 

*The third reading from John 20: 1-20

The women hurried at dawn on Sunday to the grave to pour on the dear the last precious tear, the tear of love and honor. And when they were surprised by the emptiness of the tomb, they hurried to seek help from the messengers about the disappearance of Jesus' body. The apostles confirmed the news, but they found no satisfactory answer other than believing in what Jesus had previously foretold. As for Magdalene, she continued her search. Do not bear the loss even of the beloved. And her weapon is her crying. The Lord had compassion for her. And just as he responded to Peter's weeping, so he forgave him and appeared to him (Luke 24:34), he also responded to Mary's crying, so he seemed to her and knew him when he called her by her name. Then he instructed her to hurry to pass the news to the disciples so that she would become the first messenger and preacher of the resurrection. Then he told her that he would not reside from now on among them as before, but instead, he would live with the Father of all human beings, the Heavenly God, where he would prepare a place for them to be glorified with him. And until then, he will remain with them; he will be their light and soul, nourishing them with his body and blood and wishing everyone (Resurrection, Life, and Renewal upon you).

 

Christ has risen; indeed, he has risen