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.

Lectionary Reference: 261

Upcoming dates: April 21, 2025, April 6, 2026, March 29, 2027, April 17, 2028, April 2, 2029, April 22, 2030, April 14, 2031, March 29, 2032, April 18, 2033

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

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.

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.

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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?

Word on Fire: A Shocking Novelty

In today’s reflection by Bishop Robert Barron for Monday in the Octave of Easter, he emphasizes the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection as a foundational Christian belief, critiquing modern attempts to reduce it to mere myth or symbol.

Bishop Barron argues that the early Christian movement’s energy and conviction were fueled by the literal resurrection of Jesus (anastasis), not by the idea of Jesus as an inspiring but deceased teacher. He contends that the apostle Paul’s impactful preaching across the Mediterranean was driven by this tangible resurrection event, which affirmed Jesus as the true Messiah, capable of conquering death.

What date is Monday in the Octave of Easter?

The next date is Monday April 21, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Monday in the Octave of Easter?

The Mass readings for Monday April 21, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 2:14, 22-33: Witnesses to the Resurrection
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: The Joy of Trusting in God’s Protection
Gospel – Matthew 28:8-15: The Risen Lord Appears

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.