If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
Catholics and Christians the world over regard this as the first and most sacred of Sundays. For us it is the first day, the third day and the seventh day; a day of creation, new creation and recreation. It is a day of overwhelming joy.
The joy comes in many forms, all delightful.
- The Lord has won the victory for us against sin and death. Our enemies are in full retreat. We laugh our Ha-Ha-Halleluias to see them run.
- We are relieved of enormous anxiety and dread because the threats of judgement, punishment and death are gone.
- We have the promise of healing for our physical, psychological and spiritual suffering. Those who have not yet personally experienced that complete healing know it is coming. The Lord's victory has turned us in the right direction and we are recovering day by day.
- Our critics have accused us of every sin and foolishness but in the Lord's resurrection we have found vindication. We are not guilty; we are not fools.
- The Universe is saved and renewed in the resurrection of Jesus. Clearly, our greed, avarice and laziness have overwhelmed our planet's resources. We have the technology to correct our mistakes, we don't have the political will. We cannot rein in these fatal impulses despite our best efforts. The Resurrection of Jesus promises healing and restoration of our dying planet.
- Vindicated, our lives have meaning and purpose again. We're not just whistling in the dark about Jesus. If our neighbors and fellow citizens have lost faith in God, civility and the rule of law, we believe every kind deed and every sacrifice will be recognized and rewarded.
- Because we have seen Jesus our Head raised up and alive we can believe again in eternal life. The hereafter is not just a philosophical idea about the way things should be. It's not a denial of death's inevitability. In fact we embrace death, especially the daily death to self which we practice with every good deed. Because we have seen the Body of the Risen Lord we are sure our bodies will be raised up in him. Feeding on the Eucharist restores our hope daily.
- Not even the nova of our sun and the dissolution of our Universe, which astronomers predict, can dampen our joy. The Lord will hold the Redeemed in the palm of his hand forever.
- Our Church, sinful and much maligned, is also restored in the sight of the nations. In Easter the Lord embraces his Bride the Church and cleanses her of every impurity.
- Our confidence in the Community of the Saints, that "cloud of witnesses," has also been restored. We can look forward again to the reunion of our families, friends and congregations in God's house. We entrusted our beloved to the Lord as we buried them from the Church. Our trust is vindicated by Easter.
There is no end of Easter joy. It takes many forms and generates endless expressions of gratitude.
May God bless you during this wonderful season.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.