"He is not here; for he has risen, as he said." (Mt 28:6)
Now after the Sabbath, towards the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." (Matthew 28:1-7)
In a spirit of courage and love, the women go early in the morning to anoint the body of Jesus. They find an empty tomb and the invitation to become the first to share the good news of the Lord’s resurrection. All creation participates in this good news; the earth shakes and the angel that appears has the appearance of lighting and snow. The risen Jesus brings new life and hope for Mary Magdalene, for the other disciples, for us and for all the earth.
In June 2023 hundreds of CAFOD supporters united in hope for a better world, sharing their prayers for tomorrow. The prayers were inspired by Pope Francis' call for people to reflect on what type of world future generations will inherit unless action is taken to halt the climate emergency. The prayers, which were delivered to Downing Street, praised God for the gift of our creation and expressed commitment to caring for our common home and building world in which all may flourish.
As we reflect on this mystery, we remember that Jesus’ victory over death means that injustice can be overcome and creation restored.
We pray for the strength to live each day in the power and hope of the resurrection, modelling our lives on the active, generous love and compassion of the Lord.
Pray the Our Father.
Pray a Hail Mary on each of the ten beads of the decade.
Pray the Glory Be.
You may also want to add the Fatima invocation