easter message

Resurrection of the Lord, 2010

To the faithful of the Diocese of Brownsville:
Christ is triumphant over death! Today, we contemplate with our own eyes the merciful face of the Lord God, revealed in the human flesh of our Savior: He who was crucified rises today to bestow on us, through the gift of faith, unwavering confidence in the love of God.  Today is the day for all to be bathed anew in the light of the Redeemer. Today we do not worry about the toils and sufferings of daily life; today we direct our attention to the evidence with which God demonstrates the definitive triumph of love over sin and death.  Today, we drink from the spring of water that flows from the wounded side of the Lord, granting to us that freshness of spirit which permits us to see beyond what we confront every day.

The Innocent One freely gave himself up to death, accepted being nailed to the cross and raised above the earth.  Alone, upon the altar made of wood, the Redeemer embraced the whole world with his outstretched arms. Oh Cross of Christ!  You were chosen to lift high the Son of Man; you are the instrument that draws the whole world to healing and life. By your height, oh Saving Cross, the Christ reveals himself to the world as He truly is: purest love, without resentment; long-suffering, yet not defeated.  The Son of God even allowed himself to be wrapped in a shroud in order to fulfill the ancient rites of burial.  Oh empty tomb! By showing us that you cannot contain Christ within your walls, you are the clear sign of the cause of our joy! 

Christ is risen and has shown himself to Simon Peter and the other disciples!  The work of our redemption complete, the people that once walked in darkness of death now rejoice in the new light of hope.  Truly and marvelously, love has triumphed.  The human race, suffering the pain of death for having abandoned the path of the Good God, finds itself saved by the work of love with which the Man- God, Jesus Christ, condescended to open the path to forgiveness.  He who was abandoned did not abandon us.   The Risen Christ offers his greeting of peace to the one who denied him three days before, and Simon Peter weeps, knowing himself at that moment fully pardoned.  

Therefore, my beloved in Christ, it is fitting that we rejoice today more than any other day.  Today, Christ brings forth for the world a light of hope never before seen.  On Easter Sunday, the chalice which we offer the Almighty Father shines with a renewed brightness.  It is elevated above the altar, in the sight of all believers, so that during the Holy Mass, the Risen Christ may call us to the banquet of his triumphant love.  The Lord desires to share that new life which He gained for us through the savings work we today solemnly commemorate.  Now that the Mercy of God has been so clearly manifested, it is necessary that we draw near to his love, giving to Him our grateful and loving response. 

My wish for you and your families is that you may experience that spiritual joy which arose within the first disciples when they encountered and recognized the Risen Lord.  May you rejoice this day, in the company of your loved ones, secure in the love which Christ Jesus has given to us. May the grace of the Divine Redeemer be ever in your hearts, enlightening your steps with the hope that today is announced to the world.  Amen. 

last updated 09-Jun-2010 10:44 sitemap