The homily by Charles Jude Scicluna
Today is the solemn feast of Easter. It is a dilemma, and an enigma to the mind, it defies logic; it is only through our hearts that we can understand the mystery of the empty tomb. It is not self-evident, it is not something that forces itself on us, or takes away our freedom; but it engages us on a very deep and profound level.
Today’s mystery is something that we need to discover through our hearts, and that is why the motto chosen by Cardinal St John Henry Newman is so appropriate: ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’ – ‘heart speaketh unto heart’, a dialogue between hearts. That is why, Mary Magdalene goes to Peter, the rock and the chief, but does not forget the beloved disciples. She and the beloved disciples were at the foot of the cross. They were witnesses to the horrible death of Jesus Christ on the cross; witnesses of his burial; and now they become the witnesses of the empty tomb.
Were do we stand in all this? As we celebrate Easter, let us ask the Lord, to speak to our hearts, and enlighten our lives, with his peace and his joy.
✠ Charles Jude Scicluna
Arċisqof ta’ Malta
Mass Readings
First Readings: Acts 10:34a,37-43
Psalm: 117(118):1-2,16ab-17,22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:13-35