SECOND STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Disciples Discover the Empty Tomb

We adore You, O Christ

and we praise You! 

Because by the Wood of the Cross and

the Light of the Resurrection, 

You have redeemed the world!

Reading:  "Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed" 

(John 20: 8).

Reflection: The empty tomb was not a proof of the resurrection, but rather a silent witness of the greatest event of our faith.  Seeing the empty tomb, the disciples were motivated to seek the Risen Lord at work in their midst. They saw and believed in the continuing presence of the Lord of love.  All the empty and lonely places of human life are precisely where the Lord wishes to work and be revealed.

Silence

Prayer:  God our Father, creator of all, today is the day of overwhelming joy.  The Lord appeared to those who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the Scriptures foretold: that first He must die and then rise.  May the Risen Lord breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know Him in the breaking of bread, and follow Him in His risen life.  Grant this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

All:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The dear belov'd apostle John

Could faster than St. Peter run,

Arriving first before the tomb.  Alleluia.

NEXT: THIRD STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles