The first glorious mystery, the Resurrection of Jesus, is the foundation of the Christian faith and the culmination of salvation. This event marks Jesus' triumphant victory over death and sin, ushering in a new era of hope and eternal life for all believers. By meditating on this mystery, we are called to renew our faith and our understanding of the promise of the resurrection.
After his crucifixion and burial, Jesus' body lay in the tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers. Three days after his death, on Sunday morning, women disciples, including Mary Magdalene, go to the tomb to embalm his body. To their great surprise, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Suddenly, two men in bright clothes appeared and said to them: "Why are you looking among the dead for the living One? He is not here, but has risen" (Luke 24:5-6). These words announce the glorious reality of the Resurrection.
Mary Magdalene, in her grief and confusion, encounters the risen Jesus near the tomb. At first she does not recognise him, but when Jesus calls her by name, she cries out, "Rabbouni!" (John 20:16). This personal encounter underlines the intimate and transforming relationship that every believer can have with the risen Christ. Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to announce the good news to his disciples, making her the first messenger of the Resurrection.
The disciples, gathered in a house, are filled with fear and doubt. Jesus appears in their midst, showing them his hands and side, the marks of his crucifixion. He said to them: "Peace be with you" (John 20:19-20). These comforting words dispelled their fears and strengthened their faith. Jesus breathes on them and tells them, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22), giving them the power to forgive sins and preparing them for their apostolic mission.
The appearance of Jesus to Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, is particularly significant. Thomas, who was not present at the first apparition, refuses to believe in the Resurrection without seeing and touching Jesus' wounds. Eight days later, Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to touch his wounds. Faced with this irrefutable proof, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Jesus replied: "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). This statement highlights the beatitude of faith without sight, a call to all believers to trust in the Resurrection.
The Resurrection of Jesus is a life-transforming event for his disciples and all those who believe in him. It is the pledge of our own resurrection and eternal life. By rising from the dead, Jesus triumphed over death and opened the gates of heaven to humanity. He invites us to live in the hope and joy of the Resurrection, to renew our commitment to follow his teachings and to bear witness to his love and mercy in our daily lives.
By meditating on this first glorious mystery, we are called to deepen our faith in the Resurrection and to celebrate the new life that Jesus offers us. The Resurrection is a constant reminder that, despite trials and suffering, victory belongs to life, light and love. It encourages us to live as resurrected people, joyful and courageous witnesses to the power of life over death, and of love over sin.
