Scripture Reading: Luke 24:8–12; Luke 24:33–34 and John 20:1–10
Context: Saint Ignatius offers here a meditation on the appearance of Jesus to Peter. Ignatius was intent on helping us to understand the role Peter would play in the founding of the Church. The first verses below from Luke only show that Peter ran to the tomb and went in. But when you also read Luke 24:33–34, it is made clear that there had already been a mysterious and unmentioned appearance of Jesus to Peter. Thus, Saint Ignatius concludes that when Peter went into the tomb, or shortly afterwards, he saw the Lord.
John’s Gospel makes it clear that Peter and the other disciples did not yet understand fully that Jesus must rise. But it is also clear that they have a spark of hope and confidence in this deep truth. It is this hope and spark of faith that disposes Peter to receive this unrecorded appearance of our Lord. He who would soon become the Vicar of Christ on Earth had enough faith to receive this miracle and respond.
Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Luke 24:8–12; Luke 24:33–34 and John 20:1–10 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.
Introduction to the Meditations for the Easter Season
- Resurrection of Jesus and First Apparition
- Second Apparition
- Third Apparition
- Fourth Apparition
- Fifth Apparition
- Sixth Apparition
- Seventh Apparition
- Eighth Apparition
- Ninth Apparition
- Additional Apparitions
- Ascension of Jesus
- Contemplation to Attain Divine Love