Happy Easter!
Greetings Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Centuries ago, in a homily for this very Feast of Easter, St. Augustine said something that has endured in the memories of Christians in every age. He said, “We are Easter people, and alleluia is our song!”
Not to over simplify, but I think St. Augustine seems to be saying that we celebrate on Easter not only the resurrection of Jesus, but our own as well. He seems to echo the words of St. Paul when he said, “We who have been baptized in Christ have died with Him but we have also risen with Him.”
Therefore what does it mean for us and our world to be Easter people? Especially in the context of a world pandemic that evokes sorrow, worry, doubt, fear and anger. How do we experience the Resurrection? The New Life of Easter? Now? What meaning does Easter Resurrection provide for us? Now?
My response to these questions is best expressed in three essential ingredients that resurrection life has for us now, in the articulate and insightful words of the Christian teacher and preacher Rev. Michael K. Marsh. (
Interruptingthesilence.com
)
First, it means a promise. It promises a future. The promise means we can never say about life, “This is it,” “This is all there is,” or “This is how it will always be.” Our resurrection is not just a past or future event, something more is yet to happen. It is a present and everyday reality that promises us a future and the chance that this moment will be transformed and changed.
Second, it means we have hope. Hope for our lives and the lives of those we love. We have hope for a new life. We have hope that our lives matter. It means we have hope in the midst of our doubts and uncertainties, despite the riskiness of life, and when nothing makes sense and the odds are against us. This means that we live with an openness to the future.
Third, it means a call. The resurrection is a calling on our lives. And it awaits our response. We are being called to appreciate the opportunities of every moment given us and to neither waste nor take for granted a single one. To live more fully alive and take the risk that there is always more life awaiting us even when it is unimaginable, unforeseeable, and seemingly impossible. The resurrection is wooing and calling us into life, more life, and a new life.
And so, we remember the great act of love God gave us through his Son. This Easter we remember, more than ever, what Jesus’ life, death and resurrection offers us, namely, new life saved from all sin and death. But, we remember more than a nice story from long ago. It meant to be our story too that offers a promise, a hope and a call. Yes, let us profoundly remember the greatest story ever told. But, let us live that great story in our story. Especially in these days of crisis and woe and be able to say and live wholeheartedly: Alleluia, Christ is risen!! We are Easter people, and alleluia is our song!!
Fr. George Couturier
P.S. Send a family “selfie” dressed in your Easter finery to
EllenLowrance@gmail.com
and she will post your festive photos on our parish Facebook page.
