05/04/2026
CAFOD Reflection for Easter Sunday, 5th April
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. John 20:1
Today we join Mary in the resurrection garden as she finds the empty tomb. Soon she will see the risen Christ, whom she mistakes for the gardener. The symbolism is rich. The resurrected Jesus is the new Adam, who has turned the wood of the cross into the Tree of Life.
This Lent, we have seen signs of the new life of the resurrection in the stories of our neighbours around the world. We’ve seen them creating flourishing gardens in places of drought and flood. We’ve heard stories of courageous peacemakers, faithful stewards of God’s creation and dedicated advocates standing against injustice.
As we celebrate Easter today, we can rejoice that God’s love is stronger than heavy stones, stronger than hatred and division, stronger than our fears and failures and stronger even than death.
May we enter this Easter season with joy, ready to share our hope that, through God’s grace, a better world for all people is possible.
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Prayer
Risen Jesus,
plant us in your presence,
and root us in your love.
May your risen life grow within us
so that, filled with your abundant love,
we may renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
Act
Thank you for all your prayers and support for the work of CAFOD throughout Lent. Without you, none of our work would be possible.
Use our Easter prayers as you celebrate this season of joy, hope and new life.
Pray with CAFOD throughout the Easter season with this collection of our most popular Easter prayers
