Universal Utterings

for April 20, 2025

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04-20-25 John 20 v0109 Resurrection of Jesus

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The Gospel of John Chapter 20 V- One and Nine

1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. 6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, 7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. 8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. 9 For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned home.

As I conclude my 40-day fast of writing, I find myself reflecting on the profound message conveyed in John 20:1-9. This passage recounts the moment Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb of Jesus, an event that heralds the glorious resurrection and the promise of hope and renewal. Early in the morning, as dawn breaks and light triumphs over darkness, Mary encounters the miracle that changes everything. Her journey from despair to discovery resonates deeply, especially after a season dedicated to spiritual reflection through silence and prayer.

During these past weeks, my wife and I have immersed ourselves in an hour of morning silence, joined in prayer with the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, reciting their Sorrowful Rosary. This practice has illuminated the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and love—attributes that mirror Mary’s unwavering devotion. Additionally, a three-day fast, limited to liquids, has deepened my understanding of sacrifice and the essential nourishment we find in faith.

Today, as God First Ministries returns to the prison for Easter, we bring with us the gift of homemade chili, fresh cornbread, and cinnamon rolls—simple yet nourishing food that embodies the spirit of serving the least among us. Just as Mary, in her sorrow, became a messenger of resurrection, we aim to share hope and love with those who often feel forgotten behind prison walls.

In this sacred season of Easter, we are reminded of the beauty of service, the power of joy on the other side of sorrow, and the transformative nature of community. May the Lord bless those who partake in this meal, offering them a glimpse of the divine love and grace that awaits each of us. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

03-20-2025 John 20 v0109

**Resurrection of Jesus**

In the hush before the dawn,

A heart in sorrow, torn and drawn,

Mary walks to the tomb so bare,

In the silence, whispers of despair.

The stone is rolled away, she stands,

A glimmer of hope slips through her hands,

Where once lay a body, lifeless and cold,

Now empty, the promise begins to unfold.

“Oh, where is my Lord?” she cries in despair,

In the shadow of grief, a heart laid bare,

Angels gaze gently, “Why seek the Living among the dead?

He’s risen, He has left his tomb of dread.”

With breathless joy, the news takes flight,

In the darkness, she finds the light;

Her heart, once heavy, now dances free,

For death has lost its claim, about you see.

John, in wonder, runs with haste,

Two men in love, this truth embraced;

In reverent awe, the tomb reveals,

The wondrous grace that love conceals.

Witness of sorrows, now joy unfurls,

A promise reborn, a hope that swirls;

So let us rise, with hearts anew,

In the light of the One who makes us true.

For every sorrow, every night,

Will yield to dawn, to resurrection light;

Like Mary, we seek but now we know,

He has risen—let our spirits grow. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

April 20, 2025 @ 05:33 AM EST

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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using [email protected], or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**