Victory over death Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4; Jn 20:1-9 Today’s reading from the Gospel of John details the first moments that the disciples learn Jesus is not in the tomb. The passage is rich in symbolism and speaks to themes of faith, belief and the deep mystery of Christ’s resurrection. In the first verse, we hear that Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb early, while it is still dark. We have discussed how the Gospel of John uses light and darkness to symbolize many things, like a character’s ability to recognize Jesus or understand one of his teachings. That Mary heads to the tomb at dark tells readers that she is confused about what has happened to Jesus; that she does not understand the teaching that Christ’s death would lead to his resurrection. So, readers should not be surprised when they see that Mary’s initial response to the empty tomb is not hopeful, but one of confusion and despair as she assumes that the body of Jesus has been taken. The darkness in which she walks is thus symbolic of the spiritual darkness one experiences before the light of resurrection. Mary tells Peter and the beloved disciple what she has found, and they both run to the tomb. Though the beloved disciple arrives first, it is noteworthy that he does not immediately enter the tomb. Instead, he pauses at its entrance and merely looks inside. The disciple’s pause could represent the need for contemplation or quiet reverence before entering into the mystery of Christ’s resurrection. Peter, being bolder, rushes in. Peter’s eagerness to enter could represent those who rush to understand or encounter the truth directly. Both disciples observe the linen cloths, which were left behind. The burial cloths being neatly folded and left behind serves as a powerful image. First, it suggests that Jesus’ resurrection was not a mere grave robbery but a deliberate, purposeful act. Second, the neatness of the cloths demonstrates that Jesus’ resurrection is a divine act of order, not chaos. It reminds readers that, even in the face of death, God’s purposes are accomplished with care and intention. The beloved disciple’s reaction upon seeing the empty tomb is significant. We are told that, “He saw and believed.” It is in this moment that he is more than just a physical observer. He experiences a shift in his understanding. This is the first step of the disciple’s moving into a deeper faith. He goes beyond merely recognizing the facts, and moves into the realization that Jesus has risen, as he foretold. Yet, we are also told that both Peter and the beloved disciple still do not fully understand the teaching that Jesus must rise from the dead. This admission reflects the complex nature of faith and belief. Faith and belief are lifelong journeys that are cyclical rather than a straight line that never deviates. This can sometimes bring us to understand something about God, even if it does not make perfect sense to us in the moment. One might also be struck by the different responses each character has to the same event: grief, bold curiosity and belief. Each of these reactions speaks to different ways individuals might approach moments of revelation or spiritual awakening. It shows that faith is a deeply personal experience that unfolds in various forms, depending on who we are and where we are in our journey. This invites us to consider our own responses to Christ’s resurrection. How do we encounter the truth of the empty tomb? Do we approach it with sorrow like Mary? With bold curiosity like Peter? Or with quiet contemplation like the beloved disciple? What other ways might one react? Ultimately, this passage calls us to move from the darkness of confusion and despair into the light of belief and faith, as we come to understand and embrace the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an invitation for us to experience the transformative power of Christ’s victory over death in our own lives today.
About the Author Kate Oxsen is an assistant professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union.