On April 30, 2017, we had 2 groups of 2nd graders make their First Holy Communion. The children did a great job and we are so proud of them!

After the awful reality of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, last Sunday brought the remarkable and happiest of times in our faith…the Resurrection of our Lord! After Mary Magdalene and the disciples run to the tomb and see the linen cloths and no body, they know what has happened. They should be celebrating and rejoicing at this sight but instead are scared and huddle behind locked doors.

What are they afraid of? The Jewish leaders who were behind the idea to kill Jesus? Afraid for their own lives and uncertainty? Could they be afraid of Jesus himself? After all, they did desert and deny him.

But then Jesus enters the locked room with the greeting, “Peace be with you.” But not until He shows them His hands and His side do they rejoice.

Do we ever have doubts and fears? The disciples had these and probably confusion too. Possibly even after they had seen the risen Christ, they needed reassurance. We all gather at Easter Mass and sing Alleluia and rejoice together! We are so happy the sadness of Good Friday is over. But then fear and anxiety can get in the way of all that happiness.  It can get in the way of our mission for which Jesus has called us. But Jesus cannot be stopped by locked doors. Just like He did with the first disciples, He comes and brings peace right when we need it the most…during our fears, pain, doubt and confusion. And He keeps showing up, week after week giving us gifts of life and peace.

Easter is the most important feast of our faith.  It represents the fulfillment of God’s promise throughout the Old Testament that someday a Messiah would come.  Jesus’ brief time among us is the centerpiece of Western civilization.  His effect upon the world was transforming and illuminating and this is what we celebrate today.

Our lives should be lived in His service as a sign of our recognition of the sacrifice He made for each of us.  The stories we hear in the gospels this day reflect the faith of the early disciples and the promise fulfilled of His death and resurrection. Thousands like them will spread the Christian message throughout the known world. Our lives represent the continuation of this process and our obligation to keep transforming and illuminating our community and the larger world.  

Each of us should take our Easter obligation seriously as we contemplate the depth of Christ’s unconditional love for us.  As you gather with your families around the Easter table this afternoon, please remember to praise God, in thanksgiving and prayer, thanking Him for the family surrounding you, the love of Christ which reigns within you and the discipleship with which you can continue to give glory to God for all He has done for you.  

May you have a blessed Easter and may God’s peace and love be upon you.

Yours in Christ,