12/27/2024 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 20:1A and 2-8

1A On the first day of the week,
2 Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, “They have taken the Lord away from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
3 Peter, therefore, went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the tomb.
4 And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the tomb.
5 And when he bowed down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not yet enter.
6 Then Simon Peter arrived, following him, and he entered the tomb, and he saw the linen cloths lying there,
7 And the napkin that had been over his head, not placed with the linen cloths, but in a separate place, wrapped up by itself.
8 Then the other disciple, who had arrived first at the tomb, also entered. And he saw and believed.

12/27/2024 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 20:1A and 2-8

We are drawn into the scene of the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. Mary Magdalene discovers the stone rolled away and runs to inform Peter and “the other disciple, the one Jesus loved.” What follows is a race to the tomb, with the other disciple outrunning Peter and arriving first. However, instead of rushing in, this disciple pauses, peering into the tomb and seeing the strips of linen. It is only after Peter enters that the other disciple follows, sees, and believes.

This narrative provides profound lessons about faith and the nature of belief. The focus on “the other disciple” invites us to consider the beauty of a quiet, reflective faith that often moves in the background but carries deep conviction and insight.

1. Faith Moves at Its Own Pace
The other disciple’s hesitance to enter the tomb immediately contrasts with Peter’s boldness. This does not imply a lack of faith but highlights the different ways we approach the mysteries of God. Some of us, like Peter, are called to act boldly and immediately. Others, like the beloved disciple, reflect and observe before stepping forward. Both responses are valid in the journey of faith.

Sometimes, we may feel inadequate because our faith does not manifest as loudly or as visibly as others’. But John 20 reassures us that faith is not measured by speed or volume but by sincerity and trust. The other disciple’s pause allowed him to process what he saw, leading to his belief when he entered.

2. Love Inspires Faith
The phrase “the one Jesus loved” appears repeatedly in John’s Gospel, identifying the other disciple. This love defines his relationship with Jesus and is the foundation of his faith. When he sees the empty tomb and the neatly folded burial cloth, he does not need more evidence. The love he experienced with Jesus helps him believe without seeing the risen Lord.

This reminds us that faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a response to God’s love. When we focus on our relationship with Christ and embrace His love for us, our hearts are prepared to believe even in the face of mystery.

3. Faith Grows in Community
Though the other disciple arrived first, he waited for Peter. Together, they entered the tomb and witnessed its emptiness. This moment emphasizes the importance of community in our faith journey. While personal reflection is vital, we are also called to walk alongside others, sharing insights, encouraging one another, and drawing strength from each other’s presence.

In a world that often values boldness over quiet reflection, the other disciple’s story reminds us that there is beauty in subtlety and strength in contemplation. His faith, though understated, was deep and unwavering. He did not need to see Jesus yet to believe; the evidence before him was enough.

May we learn from this quiet but profound faith. Whether we are bold like Peter or reflective like the other disciple, let us draw closer to the empty tomb with open hearts, ready to see and believe. For in the resurrection of Christ, we find the hope and love that transform our lives forever.

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