From conversations I have had with many parishioners these past few weeks, it is clear that there are quite a few challenges and moments of incredible sadness being carried by our loved ones and our neighbors. Even the world seems to be in a great state of turmoil these days. Said one friend the other day in a text when I asked about his Easter Sunday plans: “It just doesn’t feel too much like a celebration for me this year.”
The same could be said of the first Easter Sunday morning. Disciples were scattered, alone and unsure of where to go next. Calvary was not what they expected, no matter how many times Jesus told them it was where he must go out of love.
And yet, even in their brokenness and confusion, God still came to them in the chaos of their lives that Easter morning. He gave them signs of hope and a direction to move forward. He gathered them into a small community to pray together and help the others who walked away from Jesus find him again. These were moments of mini-resurrection after THE Resurrection.
I hope that as we look back on a season of our lives that may have had many heartaches and struggles for us, we too can find some mini-resurrection moments in our lives: a reunion with a long-lost friend; time spent at the beach or our other favorite getaway spot; a phone call or greeting card that lifted our spirits. All of these little moments remind us there is hope.
Ultimately, this is the message of Easter: hope in the promise that God walks with us, loves us in every moment of our lives, and guides us in sharing that love with others. His Resurrection raises us up to be a community of light and hope for others. It is what Immaculate Conception parish and St. Jude mission church has always been known for, and I dare say that now more than ever, this community of faith is and must continue to be one that always points to the daily Easter moments of God’s love all around us.
With the eyes and heart of faith, we will see them. With love, we will lead others to see them, too. That is our Easter challenge: hold onto the mini-Resurrection moments that come our way and share that peace and joy with the world around you.
Blessed Easter to you and your family from all of us – priests, deacons, staff and our volunteers – at Immaculate Conception/St. Jude. We are so glad to have you as part of our family!
Love in Christ, Fr. Rich