Jesus is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! The gospel of Mark proclaimed during the Easter Vigil reminds us of the empty tomb and the risen Christ:
On entering the tomb they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,
and they were utterly amazed.
He said to them, “Do not be amazed!
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Behold the place where they laid him.
But go and tell his disciples and Peter,
‘He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him, as he told you.’” (Mk 16:1-7)
This historical reality of the Resurrection has changed all of human history. It means we don’t just remember that Jesus was risen, but that He is risen. The power of the Resurrection extends to today.
The Resurrection means that death isn’t the end. This is not some abstract hoped-for past or future truth. The Resurrection gives us hope now that even when we experience pain and loss, we have confidence in eternal life.
Recently, I was chatting with a family who lost their mother due to an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Her days became shorter than anyone would have hoped for, but faith in the resurrection brought so much good out of that pain. They savored their time with their mother and somehow more and more people were drawn into their circle of love and concern.
The Lord took that pain and transformed it such that her passing, while undoubtedly painful, was given a new meaning. Perhaps this difficult passage in the gospel of John became real for them, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn 12:24)
During the joy of the Easter Season, I encourage all of us to take whatever might be causing pain and hurt – and invite Jesus into that situation with the power of His resurrection.He wants to set us free from our sins. He wants to set us free from the hopelessness and dreariness of a culture that sees no real meaning and which is mired in despair.
We can trust Jesus. Whatever has a hold on us, Jesus wants us to give it to Him. Let him take it from you. Try this simple prayer: “Jesus, I trust you. I surrender this to you. Help me break free!”
Jesus came to save us and to show us the depth of the Father’s love. He created a way for us to find our way home, living forever in the light of God’s love in heaven. Trust in the power of the Resurrection.
Brothers and sisters, let us rejoice! For nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:39) I am praying for you to experience the love of God and true joy this Easter season.
Your servant,
Most Reverend Robert J. McClory
Bishop
Diocese of Gary