Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Easter Vigil

April 4, 2026, John 20:1-9

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040426.cfm

Who Will Fill My Emptiness?

Peace be with you, my friends, and to all you love and cherish. Welcome to our Easter celebration of our Risen Lord Jesus. Happy Easter!

I walked with Mary to Jesus’ tomb in my adoration this evening. What a shock for her and the disciples to find the tomb empty. I can hear their thoughts, “What are we going to do now?” First, Jesus is dead, and now his body is missing.

As we celebrate Easter, I can’t help but think of all the empty tombs around us tonight. These empty tombs aren’t just physical graves, but also the emptiness in our hearts and lives. I think of the widow and widower who have just lost a spouse. I think of the parents who open the cupboard and the fridge with nothing to feed the family.

I think of the refugees who can’t speak the language and have nothing in their pockets to get something to eat.

Think of the neglected child and the single parent whose heart is empty but who must keep struggling to care for their children. Please consider the people we serve at Pinellas Hope in Venezuela and through the Catholic Ministry Appeal. All these people run with Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John to their empty tombs.

You and I are running, of course. Bearing Jesus in our hearts, we do not fear descending into those empty tombs of people we know who need our ministry. If we don’t, there may never be a resurrection for them.

What about us? We carry burdens and problems only the Lord can handle. The good news is that Jesus did the heavy lifting. As Mary Magdalene discovered, the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.

Whatever challenges we face, don’t go alone. Take Jesus with you. Let Him roll away your stones. Listen to Paul in the Colossians: “Think of what is above (only what God can do), not what is on earth (things and people we try to fix but never do). For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Paul knew, and he’s telling us, to be free from the pressure of trying to make everyone and everything the way you want them to be. That part of us is dead and buried in the tomb with the body of Jesus. Let Jesus have His way with you. Remember, He said, “Follow Me.” Rise with Me.

Pray repeatedly, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you; take care of everything,” and He will. He resolves even the most difficult situations most amazingly.

The only thing left in Jesus’ empty tomb was the wrappings used to bury His Body. When we examine the empty tombs of those we’ve served and our own empty tomb—if God wills—it is hoped that all we see are memories to be forgotten—no more empty cupboards. No more worry or sleepless nights. Even a heavy heart can find comfort in our friendship.

Go with Mary Magdalene just as you are at this moment. What excites us is knowing the tomb is empty. So, where is Jesus? Like Mary, Peter, and John, you may be surprised where you find Him – right in the middle of what you’re going through.

Like Mary, you might not recognize Him immediately. That’s okay. The main thing is that He is with you.

May the peace and hope of our Risen Lord Jesus be with you all. Happy Easter.

Peace be with you, everyone, and Happy Easter.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com