As I write this message on Palm Sunday, war is raging in the Middle East and the processions with palms that would normally take place near the near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher were not held out of precaution. In other parts of the world, places of worship are targets of attackers, and anxiety grows as the effects of world conflict spread beyond the battle fronts. Amid the unrest, Holy Week happens and the paschal mystery unfolds before us: the suffering, dying, and rising of Jesus. Scourging moves to crucifixion and death, but God’s power over death breaks through all darkness and floods our hearts with the light of hope on Easter morning.
I worry about the world, but I take comfort in what the Resurrection teaches us about rising from everything including fear, despair, anger, and uncertainty. Good Friday ends, and after a Holy Saturday of entombment, we are propelled into the glory of Easter morning. The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive, and He is still alive, and he loves us and wants us to live forever. With that knowledge we navigate a complicated world confident that we will be given all that we need to bring our Easter hope and joy to all who are wounded and wondering.
I’ve always loved what the beginning of the First Letter of Peter says to us about the hope that Resurrection brings to our moments of trial and tribulation. I’m happy to share what Peter says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of [your] faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)
I will remember you and your intentions at my Easter Masses, and I pray that you will revel in the truth that Jesus is truly risen. Alleluia!
