April 16, 2025 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: The tomb was empty. The news is literally earth-shattering! The implications are mind-blowing! Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! He who once lived among us, suffered the agony of the cross, and died, is dead no more. Alleluia! Yes, Alleluia! The Resurrection is not just a belief that we pull out at Easter or a comforting doctrine we console ourselves with at a time of death. It is a whole way of life that begins with our baptism and is sustained by our gathering in faith with the risen Christ as a Eucharistic people. It is a way of life in which we try to keep ourselves aware of His Presence in us in all we say and do throughout the week. With the resurrection of Jesus, the Lord draws all of us after Him into the new light of the resurrection as He conquers all darkness. God rose from the dead so that our lives would be undying. That’s why we remain hope-filled through the joys and sorrows of daily living. This Jubilee Year of Hope is so timely as we struggle through so many challenges in our world today. Mary Magdalene shares this good news with Jesus’ closest friends. Her profession of faith has become our commitment of life. Especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope, we seek a renewed determination to share the news that Mary Magdalene first witnessed. What we believe and our witness to that belief hinges on the great Easter Mystery we celebrate this day. Today we rededicate ourselves to living the Easter faith in union with our Risen Lord so we may one day come to share fully in His Risen life. Today, our nation and our Church thirst for Resurrection evidence in you and in me. I pray that we may more fully live our baptismal promises: Lord, gift me with the courage, the love and the energy of Mary Magdalene, who was the first witness to others of your resurrection. Never let fear of ridicule or rejection, a lukewarm faith or laziness stop me from living openly and sharing warmly the Good News that Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for me, rose from the dead. Rejoice in the hope and peace that our Risen Savior has won for us. A blessed Easter to you and your family! “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!” After all, we are Christ-led, Christ-fed and Hope-filled! Faithfully yours in Christ, |
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