Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Tuesday April 7, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 2:36-41: Peter addressed the Jewish people on the day of Pentecost, declaring that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ. He urged the people to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, leading to the conversion of about three thousand people that day.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: God’s faithfulness and justice fill the earth with kindness. He safeguards those who honor Him, delivering from peril and providing in need. Our hope rests on His steadfast support, yearning for His mercy to envelop us, as His benevolence knows no bounds.
- Gospel – John 20:11-18: Mary Magdalene weeps outside Jesus’ tomb and encounters two angels who ask her why she is crying. She then sees Jesus but doesn’t recognize him until he calls her name. He instructs her to tell the disciples that he is ascending to his Father.
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Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.
John 20:18
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter reflects on the power of repentance, the joy of encountering Jesus, and the mission to share the good news. The readings show how lives are changed when people turn to Christ and recognize his presence.
- Repentance and Renewal: Peter calls the people to repent and be baptized, receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This shows the power of repentance to bring new life in Christ.
- Recognizing Jesus: In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene initially does not recognize Jesus until he calls her by name. This reminds us that Jesus knows us personally and draws us closer to him.
- The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Peter speaks about receiving the Holy Spirit after baptism. This emphasizes the role of the Spirit in guiding and strengthening believers.
- Joy in Encountering Christ: Mary Magdalene’s joy when she realizes she is speaking to Jesus reflects the joy of knowing he is alive. This encourages us to seek and celebrate his presence in our lives.
- Mission to Share the Good News: Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples about his resurrection. This shows the responsibility of sharing the message of hope with others.
- God’s Promise of Salvation: Peter connects repentance and baptism to the promise of salvation. This highlights God’s faithful plan to offer new life to all who believe.
- Faith Through Sorrow: Mary Magdalene’s tears of sorrow turn to joy when she sees Jesus. This reminds us that faith can bring hope and peace even in times of pain.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter encourages us to reflect on the joy of knowing Jesus and the call to share his message. The readings invite us to live with hope, repentance, and the desire to bring others closer to Christ.
Reflection for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter calls us to reflect on the joy of the resurrection and the mission to share its hope with others. The readings show the gift of the Holy Spirit, the courage to share the good news, and the joy of encountering Jesus. These reflections invite us to embrace our faith and live it out each day.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
In the first reading for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, Peter explains that those who repent and are baptized receive the Holy Spirit. This gift is not just for guidance but also for strength and renewal. It empowers believers to live according to God’s will and to face the challenges of faith.
The Holy Spirit helps us grow in our understanding of God’s love and truth. It gives us courage to speak about our faith and to serve others with generosity. This reading reminds us that baptism is not just a beginning but the start of a journey led by the Spirit.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. The Spirit helps us stay faithful and gives us the strength to live out our mission as followers of Christ.
Sharing the Message of Hope
In the Gospel for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples about his resurrection. Her mission shows the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus with others. This call is not just for a few but for everyone who believes in him.
Mary Magdalene’s actions remind us that sharing hope can happen in simple ways. Speaking about Jesus, helping others, or living with joy can all spread his message. Her example encourages us to take up this responsibility with faith and love.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter challenges us to think about how we share the message of Jesus in our own lives. The Gospel calls us to bring hope to others and to help them see the joy of the resurrection.
Joy in Recognizing Jesus
Both readings for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter show the joy of encountering Jesus. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene’s sorrow turns to joy when she realizes she is speaking to Jesus. In the first reading, Peter’s bold proclamation about Jesus’ resurrection brings hope to those who hear it.
This joy comes from knowing that Jesus is alive and that his promises are true. It gives us strength to face challenges and a reason to live with hope. The resurrection reminds us that no matter what we face, Jesus is with us and brings new life.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter invites us to recognize Jesus in our own lives. By listening for his voice and trusting his presence, we can find joy and peace that lead us to share his love with others.
The reflections for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter remind us that Jesus is alive and present in our lives. Through the Spirit’s guidance, the call to share hope, and the joy of knowing Christ, we are strengthened in our faith. May these reflections inspire us to trust in God and share his love with others.
Prayer
Lord, you bring hope and new life through the resurrection of your Son. Help us to trust in the gift of the Holy Spirit and share your message of love with others. Fill us with joy in your presence and guide us to live with faith and courage. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength?
- What steps can you take to share the joy of the resurrection with others?
- How does recognizing Jesus in your life bring you hope and peace?
- What can you do to deepen your trust in God’s presence each day?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
What Does the Resurrection Mean for You?
In this reflection for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, Sr. Kerstin-Marie Berretz shares the story of Mary Magdalene meeting the Risen Jesus outside the tomb. At first, Mary does not recognize him. It is when Jesus calls her by name that she knows it is truly him. His appearance is changed, but his love and relationship with her stay the same.
Sr. Kerstin-Marie reminds us that the Resurrection calls us to move forward, not stay in the past. We must be open to finding Christ in new places and in unexpected ways. We must listen carefully for when he calls us by name. Sharing in the Resurrection means trusting in change and being willing to follow where Jesus sends us. Christ calls each of us to new life and to a personal mission rooted in freedom, hope, and love. Christ is risen, and we are invited to live in that joy.
Love and New Life
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter reminds us of Mary Magdalene’s deep love for Jesus and her mission to share the news of the Resurrection. Jesus trusted her, even in her brokenness, to be the first witness to the apostles. Deacon Arthur Miller connects this powerful moment to the life of a pope who spent his life serving the poor and forgotten with great love and humility.
Deacon Miller invites us to see that God calls each of us, even in our weakness, to be His witnesses of love. Like Mary and Pope Francis, we are called to bring others closer to God not through power or pride but through humility and kindness. The Resurrection opens the door for all to walk through love and service. Every day, we can ask, “Lord, who are we going to love today?”
Cure Your Spiritual ADHD
In the reading for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, Jesus asks Mary Magdalene, “Whom do you seek?” It is a simple but deep question. We are all seeking someone or something. If we are not seeking God and His ways, we can easily get distracted and lose our way. Prayer and the sacraments help us stay focused on God and remind us of what matters most.
Matthew Kelly invites us to reflect on our daily focus. Are we seeking God in all we do, or have small distractions pulled us off course? Life can pull our attention in many directions, but returning to God keeps us grounded. Seeking Him daily helps us live with purpose, peace, and joy.
The Risen Gardener
Mary Magdalene weeps by the empty tomb and sees Jesus, but she first mistakes him for the gardener. Bishop Barron points out the beauty in this detail. In Genesis, God walked with his people in a garden. Sin broke that friendship, but through Jesus’ death and Resurrection, God restores it. Now Jesus, the new Gardener, meets Mary and brings this relationship back to life on Tuesday in the Octave of Easter.
Jesus tells Mary not to cling to him but to go and proclaim the news. Bishop Barron explains that faith is not just about holding on to Jesus but about sharing his victory. Jesus makes it clear that through him, we now share in the same relationship with the Father. “My Father and your Father” shows that because of the Resurrection, we are once again God’s close friends and beloved children.
Worthy
This USCCB video reflection on Tuesday in the Octave of Easter emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Gospel passages, highlighting Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and her subsequent encounter with Jesus. It points out Mary’s significant role as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” entrusted by Christ to share the news of His resurrection.
This reflection underscores the message of forgiveness and redemption available to all, regardless of one’s past, and encourages embracing the freedom Christ offers through His sacrifice.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Why does Peter call the people to repent in the first reading for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter?
Peter tells the people to repent so they can be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit. Repentance is the first step in turning to God and accepting new life in Christ.
What is the importance of baptism in the first reading?
Baptism is described as a way to receive forgiveness and become part of God’s family. It marks the beginning of a life led by the Holy Spirit.
What role does the Holy Spirit play?
The Holy Spirit is given to those who repent and are baptized. The Spirit strengthens and guides believers in their faith and mission.
Why does Peter speak about God’s promise?
Peter reminds the people that God’s promise of salvation is for everyone who believes. This shows that God’s plan is faithful and includes all people.
Why does Mary Magdalene not recognize Jesus at first in the Gospel for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter?
Mary does not recognize Jesus because she is focused on her grief and sorrow. When Jesus calls her by name, she realizes who he is and finds joy in his presence.
What is the significance of Mary Magdalene being the first to see the risen Jesus?
Mary Magdalene’s encounter shows that Jesus values each person and gives everyone, including women, an important role in spreading the good news. It highlights the mission of all believers to share hope.
What does Jesus mean when he tells Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples about his resurrection?
Jesus gives Mary the mission to share the news of his resurrection. This shows the importance of spreading the good news to others and being part of his mission.
What can we learn from Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus in the Gospel for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter?
Mary’s encounter shows the joy of recognizing Jesus and the importance of listening for his voice. It reminds us to seek his presence in our own lives.
How can the readings for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter apply to our lives?
The readings encourage us to repent, celebrate the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, and share the message of hope with others. They remind us to trust in God’s plan and live with faith.
Joy and Mission in the Resurrection
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter celebrates the joy of recognizing the risen Jesus and the call to share his message. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene meets Jesus after his resurrection, but at first, she does not know it is him. When he calls her by name, her sorrow turns to joy, and she eagerly shares the good news with the disciples. This encounter reminds us to listen for Jesus’ voice and recognize his presence in our lives.
The first reading shows Peter calling people to repent and be baptized. He speaks about Jesus’ resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the way to salvation. Peter’s bold words encourage others to turn to God and begin a new life led by the Holy Spirit. These moments show how the resurrection calls for both joy and action.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter invites us to reflect on the joy of knowing Jesus and the mission to share his message. It reminds us that through repentance and faith, we become part of God’s family and can bring hope to others.
Your Turn
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter challenges us to recognize Jesus in our lives and share the good news with others. Have you experienced the joy of knowing Jesus is near? How do you bring his hope to the people around you?
Reflect on the readings and let them guide your actions. Share your thoughts in the comments to inspire others to live with faith and courage.
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