Gospel of the Day
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John (20:1a, 2–8)
Early on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said,
“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have put him.”
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in.
Simon Peter, following him, also came up, went into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and he believed.
A Heart in Love
Even in the midst of darkness, Mary Magdalene runs. She runs because her heart burns with love, with faith, and with a deep desire to encounter the Bridegroom, recognising that meeting Christ is the most important thing, the source of meaning and fulfilment in her life. She is not held back by confusion, fear, or uncertainty; her impulse is born of love—love that hopes in all things and sustains all things.
Each of her steps reminds us that true love between spouses requires decision, self-giving, and perseverance: not waiting for perfect conditions to meet one another, but, despite darkness, moments of trial, misunderstandings, betrayals, and silences between us as spouses, choosing to trust.
Just as Mary Magdalene ran to the tomb, we too are called to run towards our spouse and, together, towards Christ, aware that He renews our lives. On reaching the tomb and finding the cloths empty, Mary Magdalene reaches her goal: the encounter with the Risen Christ. How beautiful it is for us as spouses to see that when we give our hearts with generosity and fidelity, love is renewed, brings joy, and transforms everyday life into an experience of grace.
Applied to Married Life
May: George, honestly, these Christmas days have been terribly tense. How hard it is for me to welcome your mother when she keeps correcting me—because the food is not to her liking, because she thinks we are not educating the children properly… I truly cannot stand it, and on top of that you stay silent, which makes me even more upset.
George: May, I see that you fill up with anger and create very uncomfortable moments. Your face says it all, and the tension you generate is overwhelming.
May: Oh really? Are you saying that I create the uncomfortable situations? Look, George, if your mother were a bit quieter and more grateful for what I do for them, those uncomfortable moments would surely not happen and the atmosphere would be much more pleasant.
George: May, you are right that my mother is not very tactful in her comments. But if there is one thing we are learning on this journey, it is that we are called to give ourselves. That is where the Lord is asking us to love more—to embrace moments of difficulty and to love. And then we will make our home a reflection of the joy of the birth of the Child Jesus.
May: George, thank you for helping me see that, in those moments of anger, I only look at myself… you are absolutely right! I can only thank God for having you, for bringing me into the light, and for teaching me that together we can transform every difficulty into an opportunity to truly love.
George: You are wonderful, May. I love how, together, we can help each other so that our everyday life is filled with grace and joy.
May: George, on New Year’s Day I promise I will truly give myself and love your parents. And if you see that my face is not showing joy, remind me gently.
George: I will, my love.
Mother,
Teach us to rest our difficulties in the side of Your Son and to trust in Him as Saint John did.
Blessed and praised be the Lord for ever.