Easter Sunday | Sunday 9 April 2023

Today is Easter Sunday, the 9th of April.

He is risen, Alleluia!

The University of Johannesburg Choir sing Ndisondela Kuwe, I come to you in prayer, almighty God. You are worthy to be praised. On this Easter day, can you enter into the joy of the Risen Christ and of this day, through this music?


(Lyrics currently unavailable)



Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matt 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

Today’s reading shows the earth itself shaking with the wonder and glory of Jesus' rising from the dead. It provokes terror in the soldiers and fearful awe in the women, but also great joy. What are your feelings as you contemplate the risen Lord?

Jesus comes to meet the women and tells them not to be afraid. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins writes, ‘I greet him the days I meet him, and bless when I understand’. How do you meet Jesus in your life, and what do you understand from these encounters?

As we hear another reading of this text, notice what words and images strike you most. How do they touch your heart and your imagination? How do you feel like responding?


Jesus has to appear several times and in different ways before his disciples can truly believe that he is risen and will be with them always. Do you struggle to believe and understand his presence in your life, or is there only joy and acceptance? Either way, try to find words or songs that express your feelings at this time.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.