Gospel – John 20:1-9
On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
Reflection by Br. Edward Shields, FSC, Office for Vocations for District of Eastern North America, Eatontown, NJ
A woman is on her way to the tomb. She is broken and confused. Her friend has suffered, died and been buried. She reaches the burial site and the stone has been removed.
She goes to tell her friends what she has seen. They run to the tomb and see the burial cloths rolled up. Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter and John are changed on this Sunday morning. They come to know the Risen Jesus and their lives will never be the same.
They believe that Jesus IS RISEN and want others to know this “Good News.”
In my ministry I accompany young men who are considering the Brothers. I walk with them and pray and hope that like Mary, Peter and John they will encounter the Risen Jesus and believe. I pray and hope that they will want others to know this “Good News.”
I invite you on this Easter Sunday morning to pray for young men to say YES to become Brothers and announce the Gospel to youngsters and encounter the Risen Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- On the Easter Sunday morning have you encountered the Risen Jesus?
- Are you going to share this “Good News” with others? How?
- Do you know a young man you are going to pray for to say YES to consider the Brothers’ vocation?
- Are you personally going to invite him?
Bio
A Brother for more than 40 years, much of Edward’s resume from 1972 through 2011 was spent at St. Gabriel’s School in East Elmhurst, NY. Brother spent four decades in loving service to literally generations of students, as teacher, vice-principal and finally, for many years, principal (meaning also as development director, admissions recruiter, counselor, and substitute teacher!). In the parish he served as CYO moderator; in the neighborhood, he was East Elmhurst’s unofficial Mayor. He demonstrated, throughout his years, a deep commitment to Catholic education and the service of the poor. Now, Br. Ed’s work is spent as a point of contact for young men who are looking at the possibility of becoming Brothers, a champion of vocation discernment. A man of prayer, who is approachable, enthusiastic, supportive, and ever-willing to assist, Brother has boundless energy, attending vocation events that are on “young people” time (like at midnight) to be a present guide for young people exploring God’s call in their lives.
40 years reminds me of 40 years in the desert after being liberated from slavery (i.e. the Jewish people). I am confident that Brother Edward has liberated many of the students he has taught and led during 40 years. Maybe he should adopt the middle name of Moses. Good work indeed!