The gospel reading for Easter Sunday is John’s account of the discovery of the empty tomb. He is convinced of the resurrection without even seeing the risen Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’
Here Luke tells us not only of the compassion Jesus shows for others amid his own suffering but also of his trust at the moment of death. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Go away, and do not sin anymore’
Jesus’ words of forgiveness empower us – as they did the woman caught committing adultery – to stand erect, and to accept the challenge not to sin again. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects
‘My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours’
The main message of the parable of the Prodigal Son is the contrasting attitude of the elder son, which is told for those who contest Jesus’ welcoming attitude to sinners. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Unless you repent you will all perish as they did’
In the first part of this gospel passage Jesus makes it clear that suffering is not necessarily brought about by sin, before stressing the need for repentance when we, like the fig tree in the parable, are lacking in ‘fruitfulness’. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him’
The story of the Transfiguration invites us to accompany Jesus as he journeys through death to the life of the resurrection, a life which God prepares for us too, a life we can scarcely imagine. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone’
Jesus’ encounter with the devil mirrors what his ministry is all about – to overcome evil with goodness is the constant challenge of the gospel. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Take the plank out of your own eye first’
In this reading Jesus speaks about the need to recognise our own faults before criticising others. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you’
In this reading a radical new teaching is given to all the disciples of Jesus, that we should love our enemies. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God’
It is quite clear from the beatitudes that Jesus challenges the opinions of his own day, and indeed of ours – making clear that suffering and loss are an extraordinary channel of blessing. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.