The Resurrection of the Lord
Jn 20:1-9
April 9, 2023

As I sit here, reflecting on Easter, I have as inspiration a growing stack of greeting cards from friends. There are no “bunnies or colored eggs.” Each card has a spiritual theme, and most of my friends have included some beautiful words about Easter hope and joy. Alleluia! is found at least once, on almost every card. We definitely have come to appreciate what Christ’s Resurrection means for us…the FUTURE hope of Eternal life. That is definitely cause to rejoice.

But we should not over look what Easter holds for the faithful HERE AND NOW! Perhaps a good way to tap into the fullness of Easter joy, is to consider the immediate impact on the Apostles and disciples as they experienced the Risen Christ.

The experience replaced the horror and grief, shock and hopelessness, and even shame and guilt which Good Friday left in their hearts…with a profound sense of PEACE!

The experience brought a sense of FORGIVENESS, both the comfort of being forgiven, as well as the urge to be forgiving.

The experience awakened within them, in a new and special way…the life giving PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. With this deepened relationship with the Holy Spirit came a new sense of purpose…the resolve to continue The Master’s work.

The outpouring of graces that the first witnesses to The Risen Christ were given, are still very much available to us today…there for the taking!

If like Martha, you have …come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the One Who is coming into the world…then rejoice in Christ’s PEACE! It is yours for the taking. With this gift of PEACE you can face with courage, any challenge…even death.

If like Thomas…you are able to over come all lingering doubts and declare: My Lord and My God!…then find comfort in The Risen Christ’s understanding and FORGIVENESS! It’s yours for the taking…although it comes with the expectation that you will in turn, strive to understand and forgive others.

If like the couple from Emmaus your “hearts burn” as you listen to God’s Word proclaimed and approach the Communion Table for Eucharist…know that it is THE HOLY SPIRIT awakening you to a new life in Christ…and the confidence to share the Good News that the Emmaus couple shared: We have seen The Lord!

Alleluia!…without a doubt…is the appropriate way to greet the Risen Christ and the promise of Eternal life that points to the future.

THANK YOU!…is the fitting response for the gifts to be enjoyed HERE AND NOW…PEACE, FORGIVENESS AND NEW LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Have a very Blessed Easter Season!