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Tuesday, April 25, 2000

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Easter Tuesday


Acts 2:36-41
Psalm 33
John 20:11-18

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today is the day

"When they heard this, they were deeply shaken. They asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What are we to do?' " —Acts 2:37

Liturgically, today is as important as Easter Sunday. Today is one of the most important days in this most important year of the Great Jubilee. The importance of this day is not merely ceremonial but practical. For many years, the Lord has been preparing us for this day. This is a day of exceptional grace. The angels and saints in heaven, the Church on earth, and indeed all creation is waiting for us to accept God's grace.

Let us pray with Mary: "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to Your word" (Lk 1:38, our transl). With Mary Magdalene, let us throw ourselves at Jesus' feet (see Jn 20:17). Let us repent, live our Baptisms, and "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Let us be saved "from this generation which has gone astray" (Acts 2:40). As thousands of Christians live their Baptisms fully, many thousands will be baptized into Christ (see Acts 2:41). The world will hear the gospel of Jesus (see Mt 24:14), and Jesus will return in glory.

Today is an awesome day. Let God have His way today.

Prayer:  Father, today I hear Your voice with an open heart (see Ps 95:7-8).

Promise:  "Go to My brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God!' " —Jn 20:17

Praise:  Praise the risen Jesus! "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:55) Alleluia forever!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999