PASTOR’S NOTES

For centuries Christians have greeted one another on this day by saying “Christ is Risen!” And have received the response: “He is risen indeed.” In a sense, for us the resurrection is a matter of fact. We heard it from our parents, in our religion classes, and from our priests. There is no question in our minds. This is a virtue and a vice. It is certainly the gift of faith that has made us so sure of this mystery and yet because of that certainty we might be too blasé about its celebration. New clothes, family gatherings, and sweets might be more central in our consciousness. We must remember it was not always thus. That first weekend was very different.

Pilate was still smarting from his lack of ability to control the crowd that Friday. He had no interest in being the arbiter of religious disputes. He wanted just a peaceful sojourn in what he saw as exile from Rome and its power. He wanted to be deemed worthy of higher position by keeping every one in their place. It was hard to do that when so many different parties vied for the people’s devotion. Moreover, it seemed that the only thing which united them was a hatred of the occupying authority he represented. One wrong move and this powder keg could explode again. He seemed to be rounding up revolutionaries daily only to have the one he arrested replaced by another. Why did they have to ask for Barabbas? He was a thug and surely would be in custody again. What trouble could this Jesus cause? He was simply known to his people as a so-called miracle worker who preached forgiveness and a better world to come. A delusion that, as governor, he made a capital crime. And now, on top of everything he has to deal with rumors that his tomb is empty and there have been sightings around the city.

John was worried. Mary hadn’t eaten a thing since Friday. She held on to the cloth Veronica had given her. The only thoughts she expressed were her concern for the others. Was Peter going to do something stupid: take up arms against those who took her son? Would the disciples consider the path of despair that Judas took? What about the thousands He spoke to? Where would they all turn? The mother had no concern for herself. She knew that God would reveal His power in a unique way. He, the Holy, had done marvelous deeds. She took comfort in her Son’s promise that after the suffering there would be triumph. This is the third day. May His prophecies be fulfilled! For his part, the beloved disciple, would care for her. After all, that was what the Master required. It was still early. Perhaps, he might try to find Peter and decide when they might return home.

Under the cloak of darkness, other disciples had already decided to leave Jerusalem. The town had become decidedly unfriendly to anyone with a Galilean accent. The threatening weather, earthquakes, and destruction to the temple all seemed to be bad omens. The demagogues were blaming all who had followed the Nazorean for the troubles. Their leader gone, they thought they must flee. Gone were all the hopes they once had. His preaching gave insight to a different way of life. Those  who had been forgotten by society were the center of His concern. He saw the value of every human life and assured all of the providential care of the Father. He opened eyes to the plight of others. He made all hear a word of hope. He healed the brokenness of the outcast. He reminded some of Moses, some of Isaiah, and some of Solomon. To all He was the reconciler of God and Man. Yes, there were some who claimed they had seen Him. But was that real or just their grief talking?

Mary of Magdala did not seek out the company of others. In itself, that was unusual. She had come upon this man at one of her many social engagements. The center of attention whenever she entered a room she was stunned on that occasion. Her wealth and position had usually caused her hosts to fall all over themselves when she attended any function. But this time though welcomed by the household staff, her good friend seemed to be unable to take himself away from a man who held indeed the whole room in awe. He was handsome, he was well-spoken, and he had an appropriate self-confidence. But she could see immediately that “he was more than the sum of his parts.” Now as she listened she quickly recognized that all she had seen as significant in her life mattered for very little. She began to follow not only His words but His steps. She supported Him as He taught the band of associates and cared for the needs of the poor. She loved His mother. She would always be close at hand. Perhaps as the first day of the week began she might go to the grave. Later on she would fulfill her commitment to be with the women to perform the necessary rites. But first, she wanted to be alone with Him, and her thoughts.

Unlike those first followers of Christ, we know the end of the story, or at least, the end of the beginning. For we have the advantage of the Pentecost event to put everything together. May we appreciate their angst and we realize what they could only imagine. May we stand in awe not only of the gift of eternal life given so freely to us but also of the fidelity of those first witnesses whose testimony we proclaim until He comes again.

May I express the wish to each of you that God’s peace might reign in your homes. May the Risen Christ give you comfort, hope, and love. You will be remembered in my Easter Masses. Truly……

Vivat Jesus

Fr. Brian