Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 (NRSV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."
Reflection:
Even a small role in a production matters. In God's story, your part is essential. As the curtain rises on this new day, remember: you're surrounded by saints cheering you on. You are part of something holy and ongoing.
Prayer:
God, help me to trust in the role you’ve given me. May I live faithfully and fully, knowing I am part of your great unfolding story.
Scripture: John 20:1 (NRSV)
"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb."
Reflection:
Mary’s grief led her to the tomb while it was still dark. Maybe you’ve been there—awake before the sun, wrapped in sadness. In the darkest moments, Jesus is already working. Resurrection begins in the dark.
Prayer:
Jesus, when I walk through shadowed valleys, help me trust that you are near—even when I can’t yet see the light.
Scripture: John 20:3–5 (NRSV)
"Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in."
Reflection:
Sometimes we run toward what we don’t understand—grief, mystery, hope. Peter and the Beloved Disciple had to see it for themselves. We, too, are drawn toward the unknown when love is at stake.
Prayer:
Lord, even when I don’t understand, lead me toward you. May I run with faith even when my heart is heavy.
Scripture: John 20:10 (NRSV)
"Then the disciples returned to their homes."
Reflection:
The disciples saw the empty tomb... and went home. How often do we retreat too quickly from resurrection because it doesn’t meet our expectations? Mary stayed—and because of her patience, she saw what others missed.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me stay in the in-between moments—where grief lingers but hope stirs. Don’t let me walk away too soon.
Scripture: John 20:16 (NRSV)
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni!' (which means Teacher)."
Reflection:
Jesus says her name, and everything changes. It wasn’t a grand miracle—it was intimacy. Your name is known. Your tears are seen. God speaks not to the crowd, but to you.
Prayer:
Speak, Lord. Call me by name. Let me hear your voice even when I am overwhelmed with sorrow.
Scripture: John 20:17 (NRSV)
"Jesus said to her, 'Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”'"
Reflection:
Mary wants to cling to Jesus—but resurrection is not just for her to keep. It’s for the world to know. Sometimes love means letting go and stepping into the mission Jesus invites us into.
Prayer:
Jesus, don’t let me hold on to you only for myself. Teach me to share your love and light with the world around me.
Scripture: Romans 8:38–39 (NRSV)
"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection:
This is the final act, but not the end. Nothing—nothing—can separate you from the love of the Risen Christ. The grave is empty. Resurrection is real. Now we live like it’s true.
Prayer:
God, may resurrection be more than a story I hear. Let it be the truth I live. Let nothing keep me from your love today.