Scripture:
Acts 2:14, 22-33
Matthew 28:8-15
Reflection:
HE IS RISEN, ALLELUIA!!!
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. At the same time the chief priests and elders were trying to discredit the Resurrection by even paying off the soldiers guarding the tomb!
Discredit the Resurrection!!!!! Now Really!!!!!
How can anyone discredit the Resurrection!?
We all enjoy new life each and every day! We just finished celebrating the great vigil! We welcomed 18 candidates and catechumens plus a newborn infant into our Christian community! The fear of the unknown and the joy of the reality of new life that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary felt in seeing Jesus alive was also experienced by our neophyte community! It is one thing to know in your head what is going to happen, but, when the heart experiences the saving waters of baptism, the holy anointing with chrism and the nourishment that comes with receiving the body and blood of our risen savior for the first time, it is a totally overwhelming resurrection moment!
New life is all around us! Plants and flowers, green grass and flowing streams, newborn babies, weddings, graduations, sacramental celebrations, are just some of the ways that Jesus shows us HE IS RISEN, ALLELUIA!!! New life abounds!
As we go through these days of the Easter season, may we continue to be refreshed in the waters of baptism, enjoy the sweet smell of chrism and feast gratefully at the table of the Lord. May the newness of life in Jesus never wear thin and may we always enjoy the bounty of new life that surrounds us.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.