The Resurrection of Christ changes everything. We human beings, long subjected to the heavy weight of death, can now hope to pass through death into a new life with God, a life in which we will all be brothers and sisters. But this is possible only if we stay close to Christ, who alone has the power of resurrection.
This gift of resurrection is not meant for us alone. Christ wants us—that means you!—to offer it to everyone. And so next week when we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, let us renew our commitment to becoming agents of God’s mercy. If we each agree to invite our neighbors and friends to come and experience Christ’s mercy in the truths and sacraments of His Church, and if we provide a joyful welcome to those who accept our invitations, then our parish will grow and God’s mercy will flourish here in Oak Ridge.
I thank all those involved in carrying out the sacred rites of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Paschal Vigil. Those three days, which the Church has always counted as a single celebration, are the source and summit of who we are as Christians. It is the coordinators, sacristans, cantors, choristers, lectors, altar servers, ushers, technicians, decorators and other parish leaders whose generosity makes our annual journey through Christ’s Passion and Resurrection possible. Thank you.
Happy Easter!