The third day of The Paschal Triduum is also the first day of the 50 days of Easter. As the Paschal Triduum is three parts: Death, Burial and Resurrection so the season of Easter is a three part event: Resurrection, Ascension and Imparting of the Holy Spirit. But the season of Easter (while we may think of it coming with a bang) starts unassuming and “quietly” with people waking up to an empty tomb. It generates questions, concerns, fears and frustration… (the empty tomb convinces and converts no one). And the resurrected Jesus is mistaken for a gardner, a stranger and an impostor (by Mary, the emmaus pilgrims and Thomas respectively). But ultimately over a long period - the people closest to Jesus “wake up” to the fact that “He is not here (in the tomb) He has been raised.”

The Lord is risen.
He is risen, indeed. Alleluia.

Epistle: Colossians 3.1-7

Gospel: John 20. 1-18

Psalm: Psalm 120

Prayer: Almighty God, through your only Son Jesus Christ you have conquered death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: by your grace put good desires into our minds and, in your mercy, help us to bring them to their fulfillment, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.