Monday in the Octave of Easter
Monday April 6, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 2:14, 22-33: Peter addresses a group of Jews on the day of Pentecost, explaining that Jesus of Nazareth, whom God endorsed with miraculous deeds, was killed but raised from the dead by God. He also cites King David’s prophecy about the resurrection of the Messiah and declares that Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God, pouring out the promised Holy Spirit.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: In God, I find my refuge and proclaim Him as my sovereign. He sustains my fate, guides me through every moment, and ensures my stability. With His promise of life and unending joy in His presence, my heart and spirit are uplifted, secure in His eternal protection.
- Gospel – Matthew 28:8-15: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited Jesus’ tomb but found it empty. On their way to tell the news to his disciples, they encountered Jesus who instructed them to tell his brothers to meet him in Galilee. Meanwhile, some guards reported to the chief priests that Jesus’ body had been stolen, and the priests paid the guards to spread this false story.
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Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
Matthew 28:8
Themes for the Readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter
Monday in the Octave of Easter celebrates the joy of the resurrection and the spreading of the good news. The readings focus on the courage to share the truth, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the reactions to Jesus’ rising from the dead.
- The Joy of Resurrection: In the Gospel, the women who see the risen Jesus are filled with joy and quickly share the news. This reminds us that the resurrection brings hope and joy to all who believe.
- Witnessing to the Truth: Peter speaks boldly about Jesus in the first reading, proclaiming his resurrection. This shows the importance of sharing the message of Christ with courage and faith.
- Fear and Opposition: The Gospel shows how the guards and religious leaders try to suppress the truth of the resurrection. This reflects the challenges that arise when people resist accepting God’s works.
- Fulfillment of God’s Promises: Peter connects Jesus’ resurrection to the promises made in Scripture. This reminds us that God’s plan is always faithful and trustworthy.
- Sharing the Good News: The women at the tomb are given the mission to tell the disciples about Jesus’ resurrection. This shows that spreading the message of hope is part of being a follower of Christ.
- God’s Power Over Death: Both readings highlight the victory of Jesus over death. This reminds us that through faith in him, we share in the promise of eternal life.
- Faith in the Risen Christ: The Gospel invites us to believe in the risen Jesus and trust in his words. This faith transforms our lives and gives us strength to live with hope.
Monday in the Octave of Easter invites us to reflect on the joy and hope of the resurrection. The readings call us to share this good news with others and to trust in God’s faithful promises.
Reflection for Monday in the Octave of Easter
Monday in the Octave of Easter invites us to reflect on the joy of the resurrection and the courage it inspires. The readings remind us of God’s faithful promises, the mission to spread hope, and the courage needed to live out our faith. These reflections encourage us to trust in God and share the message of Jesus with others.
God’s Promises Fulfilled
In the first reading for Monday in the Octave of Easter, Peter speaks about how Jesus’ resurrection fulfills the promises made in Scripture. He reminds the people that God’s plan has been unfolding from the beginning and that Jesus’ victory over death was foretold. This connection shows that God’s promises are always faithful and can be trusted.
Peter’s words encourage us to place our trust in God, especially when life feels uncertain or difficult. Just as God’s plan was fulfilled in Jesus, we can trust that his promises in our lives will also come to pass. Peter’s bold proclamation invites us to reflect on how God’s faithfulness is present in our own journey.
Monday in the Octave of Easter reminds us that the resurrection is part of God’s greater plan to bring hope and salvation to the world. Reflecting on this fulfillment helps us trust God’s care and live with confidence in his promises.
The Mission to Spread Hope
The Gospel for Monday in the Octave of Easter tells how the women at the tomb were entrusted with the message of Jesus’ resurrection. They were told to go to the disciples and share what they had seen. This shows that the call to share the good news is not limited to a few but includes everyone, men and women alike.
The women’s actions remind us that spreading hope is part of being a follower of Christ. Like them, we are called to share the message of Jesus’ resurrection with those around us. This could be through words, actions, or simply by living with joy and faith.
Monday in the Octave of Easter encourages us to take up this mission of spreading hope. The example of the women at the tomb shows us that sharing the good news is a central part of our faith.
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Both readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter reveal the courage needed to stand for the truth of the resurrection. Peter speaks boldly about Jesus’ resurrection, knowing that not everyone will accept his words. In the Gospel, the women must deliver their message despite any fears or doubts they might have felt.
Courage is often required to live out our faith, especially when it challenges what others believe or expect. The actions of Peter and the women remind us that God strengthens us to share the good news, even when it feels difficult. Their courage inspires us to stand firm in our faith and trust in God’s support.
Monday in the Octave of Easter reminds us that the message of the resurrection brings hope, but it also calls for courage. By trusting in God and stepping forward in faith, we join in the mission to bring light and truth to the world.
The reflections for Monday in the Octave of Easter challenge us to live with joy, courage, and faith in God’s promises. By following the examples of Peter and the women at the tomb, we can share the hope of the resurrection in our own lives. May these reflections guide us to grow in trust and share God’s love with others.
Prayer
Lord, you have conquered death and brought us new life. Help us to trust in your faithful promises and share the joy of your resurrection. Give us courage to spread hope and live with faith in your care. May our lives reflect your love and bring others closer to you. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do God’s faithful promises strengthen your faith?
- What steps can you take to share the joy of the resurrection with others?
- When has courage helped you to live out your faith?
- How can you trust in God’s plan, even when it feels uncertain?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday in the Octave of Easter
Do Not Be Afraid
In this reflection for Monday in the Octave of Easter, Sr. Mary Ellen Green focuses on Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who were the first to witness the empty tomb. Despite their grief and fear, they obey the angel’s message to go and share the news that Jesus has risen. As they run to tell the disciples, they are met by Jesus himself, who repeats the words, “Do not be afraid.”
Sr. Mary Ellen reminds us that this same message is for us. We are called to let go of fear and carry the good news of the Resurrection. Just like the women at the tomb, our joy can overcome fear and give us strength for the mission. Jesus is alive, and his love drives out fear, sadness, and doubt. We are invited to live with courage and share the hope of new life with others. Christ is risen indeed.
Are You Casual with the Truth?
In the reading for Monday in the Octave of Easter, the leaders bribe the soldiers to lie about Jesus’ resurrection. They tell them to say that the disciples stole His body while they were asleep. But that story does not make sense. If they were asleep, how could they know who took the body? This shows how lies often break down when looked at closely.
Matthew Kelly invites us to reflect on how we handle truth in our own lives. Are we ever careless with the truth? Do we twist facts to protect ourselves or others? Even small lies can harm our relationships and our spiritual health. This story reminds us to be honest, to speak with integrity, and to be mindful of the stories we tell. Truth matters, and living in truth helps us become all God created us to be.
He Is Truly Risen
The Resurrection is not just a symbol or spiritual idea. It is the real rising of Jesus from the dead. On Monday in the Octave of Easter, the Gospel shows Jesus meeting the women after his Resurrection. This moment gives early proof that he truly rose. Many today try to explain it away as legend or metaphor. But in the first century, such a message would not have changed lives or started a Church.
Bishop Barron reminds us that Paul did not preach an inspiring message about a dead man. He preached the Resurrection—Jesus risen by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is what lit a fire in the apostles and sent them across the world. A Messiah who stayed in the grave would not be the real one. But Jesus rose, and that changes everything. His victory over death is the heart of the Christian faith.
Living the Joy of Easter Every Day
Monday in the Octave of Easter reminds us that the joy of the Resurrection is not a one-day event. Easter is meant to shape how we live each day. Just like the women at the tomb, we are witnesses to this new life. It is easy to let excitement fade, but the Resurrection calls us to lasting joy and deep commitment in our faith.
Msgr. James Vlaun encourages us to keep the spirit of Easter alive through prayer, thanksgiving, and acts of love. He reminds us that every day can be a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death. By staying close to the message of the empty tomb, we grow in courage and joy. Our daily lives can reflect the hope of the Resurrection. Let our song be “Alleluia,” not just for a season, but for the whole year.
Questions and Answers for Monday in the Octave of Easter
What does the first reading for Monday in the Octave of Easter say about God’s promises?
The first reading shows that Jesus’ resurrection fulfills the promises made in Scripture. This reminds us that God’s plans are always faithful and trustworthy.
Why does Peter speak so boldly in the first reading?
Peter speaks boldly because he is sharing the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. He wants everyone to know that God’s promises have been fulfilled through Christ.
What does Peter’s speech teach us?
Peter’s speech teaches us to be bold in sharing our faith. It shows that the message of Jesus is meant to be shared with everyone.
Why are the women filled with joy in the Gospel for Monday in the Octave of Easter?
The women are filled with joy because they see Jesus risen from the dead. This confirms that his promises of life and victory over death are true.
Why do the religious leaders try to cover up the resurrection?
The religious leaders are afraid of losing control and influence. They refuse to accept the truth of the resurrection and try to suppress it.
What can we learn from the women at the tomb in the Gospel for Monday in the Octave of Easter?
The women teach us to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with joy and urgency. Their actions remind us to trust in Jesus and spread hope to others.
Why is the resurrection so important?
The resurrection shows that Jesus has conquered death and brought new life to all who believe in him. It is the foundation of our faith and the reason for our hope.
How can the readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter guide us in our lives?
The readings remind us to live with faith in Jesus’ resurrection, share the good news with others, and trust in God’s promises. They encourage us to face challenges with hope and courage.
How do the readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter help us understand God’s power?
The readings show that God’s power is greater than death. They remind us that God can bring hope and life, even in the darkest times.
Joy and Boldness in the Resurrection
Monday in the Octave of Easter celebrates the joy of the resurrection and the courage to proclaim it. In the Gospel, the women encounter the risen Jesus and are filled with joy. They run to tell the disciples, showing the urgency and excitement of sharing the good news. Despite attempts by the religious leaders to deny the truth, the resurrection cannot be hidden.
In the first reading, Peter boldly speaks about Jesus’ resurrection, connecting it to God’s promises in Scripture. He explains that God raised Jesus from the dead, offering hope and salvation to all. Peter’s courage reminds us to share our faith with others, trusting that God’s plan is always true.
Monday in the Octave of Easter reminds us that the resurrection is a message of hope and joy. It encourages us to share this good news with others and trust in God’s power to bring life and victory over death.
Your Turn
Monday in the Octave of Easter calls us to reflect on the joy of the resurrection and how we share it with others. How do you spread the message of hope in your life? Do you trust in the power of Jesus’ victory over death? Consider the courage of the women and Peter in the readings. Share your reflections in the comments and inspire others to live with faith and hope.
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