The Resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith.
St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians, (15:14), that if Christ has
not been raised from the dead, our faith will be empty and useless. But the
Resurrection of Christ is not merely something "out there," not
merely an historical fact at which we gaze admiringly. It is a present reality
in which, through Baptism, we are intimately involved. "If we have been
united with him through likeness to his death, so shall we be through a like
resurrection" (Romans 6:5).
Our sharing in the crucifixion-Resurrection of Jesus brings about a
mysterious change in our very being. Paul expresses it in a startling way:
"I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own;
Christ is living in me" (Galatians 2:20). The English poet Andrew Young,
in his poem "Nicodemus," arrives at the same conclusion:
Why do I kneel before your
empty tomb? You are not here, for you are everywhere; the grass, the trees, the
air, the wind, the sky, Nothing can now refuse to be your home; nor I Lord.
Live in me and I shall live.
This intimate union between Christ and the Christian calls for a new way
of life. We must change our behavior. Saint Paul writes that we should put to
death whatever in our nature is rooted in earth (see Colossians 3:5), precisely
BECAUSE we share the new life of Christ. Corruption and wickedness must yield
to sincerity and truth. He invites us to
put teeth into today's annual renewal of baptismal promises. Putting teeth into
our baptismal promises will challenge each of us in different ways. The goal is
"Easter Living" all year long.
Easter Is The Gift...
Easter is the gift of HOPE …
Easter is the gift of PEACE…
Easter is the gift of LOVE
Let us rejoice in Him, who gives them all.
May God bless you at Easter, and keep you all year through.
May God give you all the faith it takes, to make your dreams come true.
Let us rejoice in Him, who gives them all.
May God bless you at Easter, and keep you all year through.
May God give you all the faith it takes, to make your dreams come true.
May His love and wisdom always help, to guide you on
your way.
May His light shine down upon you now, to bless your Easter Day.
May His light shine down upon you now, to bless your Easter Day.
Fr. Noel and I wish each one of you, your families and
friends all the joys of the Risen Christ.
Happy Easter!
Fr. Phil
