EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD April 20, 2025

Readings:  Acts 10: 34. 37-43; Col 3:1-4;  Mk 16:1-7

Easter means that God is on a collision course with injustice, with violence, with exploitation. God is against the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter and the complicity and corruption of power in Pilate and Herod. He is against Jesus being beaten in jail. He is against the politically correct judgment of Pilate who initially judged Jesus innocent of a capital offense.

The Easter story is basically a story of where God stands and that stand is clear in the resurrection. He raises up Jesus who told us to turn the other cheek. To go the extra mile, if someone asks for your shirt, give them your coat. He told us one should go first and be reconciled with your brother or sister.

Then come and offer your gifts at the altar. He told us do not return evil for evil but cry out with Him on the cross. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He said feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and always remember it profits you nothing to gain the whole world then lose your soul. This Jesus way of life the Father raises up.

In other words, Easter is beyond its tremendous mystery; is a statement. A divine statement of divine values. Well, I did not preach about Easter bunnies and butterflies. They are nice and safe, more comfortable, more Disney. But the truth is that Easter Christianity is about deeper stuff. It is about life and death, right and wrong.

Easter is the day God announced His choice. By raising His Son from the dead and all that He stood for. Easter is the day God announced His choice, what is left is yours.

                                            Wishing you all A ‘Joyous Easter’                                                                       

      Fr. Terry.