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Today we join with our
brothers and sisters throughout the world to rejoice with Christ our
Risen Savior. While it is important to remember the events that led us
to this day, the suffering and death and resurrection of Jesus so many
years ago, it is even more important that we realize what is going on
around us right now.
We do not say, "Jesus was Risen." We say, "Jesus is Risen!"
This great mystery of our faith reaches right into our present lives and
transforms our world. It is true. Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!
But what good is it for us to believe in Christ’s resurrection, if we do
not believe in our own? In the scriptures we hear that Jesus is the
firstborn, the first fruit of God's love. This means that others
will be raised after him. We are among those many others who proclaim
that God's power will bring life out of the most hopeless of
situations. Paul tells us that we, who were baptized into Christ
Jesus, were baptized into his death. We have been buried with him. And
on this day the Church reminds us that we will be raised with him.
Alleluia!
Christ has forever broken the bonds of sin and death for those who are
willing to leave the tomb with him. We must leave the tomb of
selfishness and sin in order to come out into the light and life with
Christ.
Married couples, you promised
each other mutual support and fidelity. Today renew your promises. Bear
each other’s burdens. Strengthen one another in prayer. Share the
good news with your children by word and example. Teach them to come to
the Lord’s table regularly, to be nourished by his word and his Body and
Blood. Show them how to pray to the Lord in times of joy and sorrow.
Make the values of the gospel the values of your home.
Make Christ the guest at every meal you share. Remind each other that
nothing should come before the love of God, not money, work, sports, or
grades.
Children, you too are called to new life in Christ! Enjoy the parents
God has given you. They are your champions. They have put your needs
above their own. All too soon we adults have grown up and our parents
have gone home to God. Express your appreciation for your parents’ love
and sacrifices while they are still with you. Respect and obey them.
Pray for them daily! Throughout your life you will have the opportunity
to make many friends, but you will not find new parents.
Our world is full of bad news. Today we celebrate with great joy the
good news of our salvation. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Sadness
and sorrow are swallowed up in the joy of the resurrection.
Risen Lord, help me to face the trials of my life with confidence in
your love. Help me to understand that neither inconvenience nor
tragedy should cause me to lose
hope in you. Remind me of your Paschal victory. Empower me to leave the
tomb of sin and enter the kingdom of your peace.
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