Christ is Risen! Alleluia!! Truly He is Risen!

The Light of the World has arrived and broken the darkness. The Easter fires have burned and the spark of this Holy Flame has brightened our lives once more. The Morning Star has made night as bright as day. The strains of The Light of Christ have been met with Thanks Be to God! We have so much to be grateful for. We proclaimed our gratitude three times as the candle processes in the darkness and the flickers of our small tapers illuminate the church. The Easter vigil is such a beautiful feast.

This morning’s Gospel complements well last night’s. Mary goes to the tomb and suddenly there is an earthquake. The stone is rolled away and an angel, bright as lightning on a stormy night, appears to her. In the midst of her fear and grief, she is told: Do not be afraid.  As the women leave, they encounter Jesus who greets them with joy, and also encourages them not to be afraid. In today’s Gospel, more specifically, Christ welcomes Mary by name when she fails to recognize Him.  Mary becomes the bearer of Good News to the rest of the disciples and the world. It is the women in these Easter Gospels that shine the Light on the truth of what happened that morning.  

What happens when our world is rocked? In the darkness do we see the Light? Do our fears overwhelm us and bring us to our knees? Do we fail to recognize our Lord in the midst of it until we gently hear our names being called? Easter is a new start. We have looked at our sins and failings in these preceding days. We have given up and given in. Do we want to take up again the habits that were detrimental to our health and well-being or do we want to continue to give in to God’s ways and live into the blessings He longs for us to receive? What choice will you make this day?

The Light of Christ is here again. Thanks be to God! Do not be afraid. Jesus calls us each by name and desires for us wholeness. Walk in the path of Light and rejoice. This Holy day is meant for you. New life can course through your veins too.

Peace,

Suzanne