We rejoice to arrive at the Easter season! We embrace the renewed life we’ve gained as a result of a season of penitence and reflection.

There is no story of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead, only the eye-witnesses’ accounts of the empty tomb and his appearances among his friends. Though crucified, he did not condemn those who betrayed and abandoned him. Rather, he forgave and commissioned his believers to do the same.

God bless the parish with soul! Even at a Catholic Mass, you can generally get a witness among such an assembly. By witness, we mean an affirmation that what the preacher says is true. A witness of this kind is basically what we intend to express by our every “amen.”

The pastor of a rundown urban parish wanted an old-fashioned Easter parade to liven things up. So his never-say-die events coordinator made it happen.

Jim was newly ordained, assigned to a parish that was challenging him since he arrived. The pastor put him in charge of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Jim was eager to prove himself and up to the task, organized, thorough and thoughtful.

On Easter my mind doesn’t turn to thoughts of parades and fancy fashions or lilies or Easter baskets. Instead I think of the hospital sitting room where my family waited while my father was being operated on.

We call on the name of our risen Lord, who forgives our sins.

We must reflect the light of Christ through lives of prayer and joyful service to others.