The Resurrection
The Resurrection is the first Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. The women find Jesus' tomb empty and receive the news that he has risen. The risen Lord appears to his disciples.
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Scripture
Luke 24:1-5
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body. While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. The men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” He isn’t here, but is risen.
Spiritual fruit: faith
Christ is risen
On the first day of the week, the women come to the tomb and find that Jesus has risen. The Gospels tell of the empty tomb, the angelic message, and the encounters through which the disciples come to know the risen Lord. The Resurrection of Jesus is the first Glorious Mystery and the foundation of the Church's Easter celebration.
The Resurrection is a real event witnessed through the empty tomb and Christ's appearances, and a mystery that exceeds ordinary human experience. Jesus has not simply returned to the life he lived before his death. His risen humanity shares in divine glory. The one who was crucified is the Lord who comes to his disciples, bringing peace and calling them to faith.
The fruit of faith
Faith receives the good news of the Resurrection and entrusts life to the risen Christ. The disciples themselves do not all understand at once. Thomas, for example, struggles to believe the testimony of the others. His encounter with Jesus gives us a passage to consider when belief is difficult, especially after a loss that has unsettled our confidence.
Pray for people grieving someone they love. The absence of a loved one can be especially painful at Easter, when a family gathers without them. Entrust the deceased to the mercy of God and ask for consolation for those who remain. The Resurrection is also at the center of the Church's hope when she prays for the dead.
Receiving the peace of the risen Lord
Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus is another passage suited to this decade. She recognizes him when he speaks her name. Reading the account before prayer helps us attend to that moment and to the message he asks her to carry to his disciples.