April 24, 2011 EASTER SUNDAY
24 APRIL 2011, 8:00 P.M., 8:00, 10:30 A.M.
READINGS: Sat: (varied); Sun: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: We come now to the most sacred feast of the year; now we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1. One writer expresses surprise that there were no human witnesses to the Resurrection of Jesus. There were witnesses to his birth; to his miracles, to his transfiguration and ascension. Yes, they were there on the scene early Sunday morning. No, they didn’t make it up. Some followers witnessed his death; some of the same ones saw multiple appearances of Jesus after the resurrection. In John’s gospel account Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb is empty and surmises that the body was stolen. Someone who suspected that would not make up the story of the resurrection. One writer says that this sublime moment of history was reserved for the Holy Trinity alone.
While no human beings were there as Jesus rose from the tomb, the resurrection has the most profound implications for our lives. In a sense, there are three meanings of the resurrection. The first refers to that moment when Jesus passed through death to new, risen life. It is a foretaste of the glorious future awaiting us in the life to come. This is the primary meaning.
2. The second meaning appears when it is applied to baptism. Yes, everyone who is baptized undergoes a passage to new life. Paul writes, “Do you not know that when you go down into the river to be baptized you are entering the tomb with Jesus; then, you rise with him to new life.” It is a passage from dying to rising that should carry an echo in every day of our Christian lives. Every generous gesture on our part awakens in us the resurrection. Tonight (Last night) we blessed and lighted the Easter Candle, the symbol of Christ, the Light of the World. It is an important symbol for Catholics. Candles used in church are important symbols. Wax is fuel to the fire. Notice, the flame cannot burn unless the wax gives itself generously to the flame. Just so, the Light of the World cannot shine in this world unless we give generously of our love to that Light.
3. A third meaning of the Resurrection is this. This is the resurrection which comes to the person, waking him or her to the surrounding world in an entirely new way; it is like a sudden break and leap forward in our personal evolution. Whenever we see God in this sacred world, we have a new resurrection. People see God every day; they just don’t recognize him. A sense of awe; a sense of wonder are remarkable forms of prayer, even if no words are spoken. For example, consider an apple seed. One pastor said, “Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed.” Wow! Be full of wonder when you see spring flowers blossom. Be full of wonder when you hear a child’s first words. Be full of wonder when you hear the last loving words of a dying parent. These too are resurrection experiences. “His gifts to us put our best dreams to shame.” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning) Again, Einstein said, “There are two kinds of people in this world; those who don’t believe in miracles and those who believe everything is a miracle.” So true!
Conclusion: Now, it is time to see, to believe and to run with the good news. Remember, we are all witnesses to the Resurrection!