April 4, 2021
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia! I hope and pray that you have completed your Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving with a spirit of joy and accomplishment. I often remind myself that the good work we do throughout the 40 days of Lent should lead us closer to Christ as a disciple beyond Easter morning thus leading us into the 50 days of the Easter Season. In St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we are to seek heavenly things. St. Paul writes that we are to look to the glory of Christ in which we share our lives as Christ’s brothers and sisters. Though our lives are hidden in Christ – through the gift of Baptism – we are called to share in Christ’s glory. To celebrate the Paschal Mystery, we experience firsthand that salvation is in Christ and we too will appear with him in glory. The mystery of our faith is rooted in the days celebrated in the Sacred Triduum. In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10, Peter sums up “the good news” of the Gospel wherein salvation comes through Christ, the Beloved Son of the Father, the anointed of the Holy Spirit.
I have thematically preached from Advent well into the Lenten season that Jesus of Nazareth is fully human and fully divine. This chapter in Acts of the Apostles crystalizes this element of our faith that we renew in our baptismal promises throughout the Easter season. In the days ahead, as we continue to recalibrate our lives with the hope of eternal life as our final goal, may we continue to be like Jesus’ disciples on the first day of the week running to the tomb after hearing that the stone had been rolled away. The empty tomb is a mystery for us to ponder and a moment of strength for us to be renewed in faith. On this Easter morning love is alive.
I pray that as the glory of the resurrection is revealed to us in spirit and truth so that renewed by the Paschal Mystery we may grow in faith, hope and love and that the days ahead are filled with radiant promise and tranquil stability as we live out our mission as a parish family. I have remembered in a special way, and will continue to do so, families struggling with financial instability, families being tested through the throes of this pandemic and especially for those individuals and families who have buried the dead and mourn. May the peace of Christ’s Resurrection bring your comfort and healing in Christ’s words, “I have risen, I am with you still.” Many thanks to the hands and hearts who prepared well to celebrate these most holy of days throughout the Lenten season.
The churches continue to be appropriately appointed with images and colors that capture the liturgical seasons for prayer and worship. Thank you to all liturgical ministers who have served throughout the days of Lent, Palm Sunday, Sacred Triduum and Easter Sunday. It is a privilege to serve with you and for you.
Happy Easter to all!
Father Anthony, OSB