Mark 16:1-7

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1, 26-31a

Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 or Psalm 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20 and 22

Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-18 or Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

Third Reading: Exodus 14:15-15:1

Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18

Fourth Reading: Isaiah 54:5-14

Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13

Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28

Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 or Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

When the sabbath was over, 

Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome 

bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.

Very early when the sun had risen,

on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.

They were saying to one another, 

“Who will roll back the stone for us

from the entrance to the tomb?”

When they looked up,

they saw that the stone had been rolled back;

it was very large.

On entering the tomb they saw a young man

sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,

and they were utterly amazed.

He said to them, “Do not be amazed!

You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.

He has been raised; he is not here.

Behold the place where they laid him.

But go and tell his disciples and Peter, 

‘He is going before you to Galilee; 

there you will see him, as he told you.’”

Encountering the Word of God

1. Water in Genesis and Exodus: Genesis opens with God’s creation of the heavens and the earth, with God’s Spirit hovering over the waters. The earth was without form and was empty. The first three days of creation give it form or structure, by separating the sky into light and dark, separating the water from the sky, and separating the earth from the water. The next three days fill the realms created during the first three days. The sun, moon, and stars fill the realms of light and darkness. The fish and birds fill the realms of the sky and water. The animals and human beings fill the realm of the earth. The realm of the earth, where human beings can come to know God and worship God and live in communion with him emerges, on the third day from the water and anticipates the reemergence of the earth at the end of the flood during the time of Noah. In the words of Peter, Noah’s family was saved through the water and this prefigures the sacrament of baptism, which saves us now (1 Peter 3:20-21). In the Third Reading, the crossing through the waters of the sea was the path of salvation for the people of Israel and also swallowed up the evil Egyptians who sought to kill God’s people. The song in Exodus praises God for destroying Pharaoh’s army, saving his people, and bringing his redeemed people to God’s Holy Mountain. It is the song taken up in the Book of Revelation (15:3-4) by the saints who celebrate the new Exodus from the sin and slavery of the world.

2. Water in the Prophets: The Fourth Reading mentions the days of Noah and God’s promise to never again destroy the earth through a flood. It refers to a time of judgment but also to a new beginning for God’s people. The Fifth Reading invites us, who are thirsty, to come to the water and compares God’s word to rain and snow that bring life. Jesus is the Word, who, like the rain that descends from the heavens, brings new life. Through our Baptism, which establishes our initial participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery, we truly draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation! The Sixth Reading, from Baruch, mentions the fountain of wisdom and how the people of Israel have forsaken it and found themselves in exile in Babylon. Jesus is the very divine Fountain of Wisdom who has appeared on earth, assumed our human nature, and dwelled among God’s people. We are invited to find in Jesus the words of everlasting life. The Seventh Reading, from Ezekiel, contains the promise that God will sprinkle clean water upon the people and, through this action, cleanse their sins and give them a new heart and spirit. This is fulfilled in the Sacrament of Baptism which purifies us from the stain of sin and introduces us into the life of God. Like the deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God!

3. Baptized into Christ Jesus: Paul teaches that Baptism unites the believer with Christ and incorporates the Christian into the Body of Christ, the Church. Being plunged into the waters of baptism symbolizes sharing in Christ’s death and burial. Rising from the waters symbolizes sharing in Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Baptism is not merely a symbol. It effectively communicates what it symbolizes. Each day, we need to leave behind our old selves and the slavery of sin, put on the newness of Christ, and live the freedom of the children of God.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, on this Holy Night, I will see and recall the great mystery of Baptism, which is a share in your death and resurrection. I have died with you and am raised to new life. Help me to live this new life to the full and experience its joy. Alleluia!

Living the Word of God: Looking at my life, am I still attached to my old self and the slavery of sin? What in my life still needs to be crucified with Christ? How can I truly be dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus?