A Reflection from Fr. Paul - Easter Sunday, March 31st

It is early in the morning of March 7th, as I jot down my first thoughts for this Easter message to my wonderful St. Pius X community.  I am in Racine at Siena Center, attending the Provincial Chapter of the Society of the Divine Savior, my religious community.  Siena Center is right on Lake Michigan and, as I walked from my room to get the first cup of coffee that I sip with the Lord each morning, I passed a window facing East and was greeted with the sun just peeking out of Lake Michigan, its rays lighting up the various strands of light, fluffy clouds in the sky.  I sat and watched for a while (true confession: after I ran and got the coffee) as the sun rose and the colors in the sky became more vibrant and alluring.  I sat there, spell-bound by the beauty of the moment.

But the brightness and alluring colors only lasted a very short time.  Then the sun was up and the light spread and daylight was everywhere.

It strikes me what a wonderful analogy this is for what we celebrate today: the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The event we focus on today is like the sun rising in the morning: with all its initial beauty, it drives away the darkness that envelopes the earth and brings light and warmth to a waiting world.  Jesus came to bring the warmth of the Father’s love and the light of Gospel truth to a world in darkness: He brought us salvation.

But while on Easter Sunday we reflect on and marvel at the life-saving event of His Resurrection, we must remember that its purpose is to give light and warmth to the whole world.  Just as the beautiful, alluring colors of the dawn quickly give way to the light and warmth that spread over the whole world, our task, as disciples of Jesus, is to make sure the Good News of the resurrection spreads over the whole world, that the light and warmth of living Gospel values invade every corner of the world where we, His disciples, move.

As we remember and celebrate Christ’s resurrection with gratitude this weekend, let us renew our commitment, as disciples of Jesus, to bring His light and warmth, His goodness and kindness, to all that we meet. God Bless.

He is truly risen!
Alleluia!  

Church sign of the week: Jesus is back by popular demand.