Easter Sunday

Episode 47

AUDIO MEDITATION:

Gold altar from the studios of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italian, 1598-1680), Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame. Photo by Matt Cashore.


FULL TEXT:

When the women came to Jesus’ tomb, expecting to anoint his body, they encountered instead an angel, who shared incredible news: “Do not be amazed!” the angel said. “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.”

During the Easter season, this image of the risen Lord stands as a centerpiece to the altar in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart’s Lady Chapel here on campus. The sunburst and altar pieces are wrapped in gold and surrounded by angels. This is an image of the glory of the resurrected Lord who could not be contained by death.

Notice, too, how the tabernacle below the statue holds an engraving of Jesus bursting from the tomb. It is a reminder that we encounter the risen Lord in the Eucharist.

Jesus carries a banner of victory that is marked with the sign of the cross. On Good Friday, we recalled the cross as our only hope—a sign that receives its vindication today. This is the same Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified, but he has been raised from the dead.

Alleluia! He is risen! He is truly risen!