My dear friends in Christ,
On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the new creation. He is risen, Alleluia! At dawn in the garden of the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb grieving over the death of her beloved Lord. When she discovered that the stone closing the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away, she feared that the body of Jesus had been stolen. Mary ran to tell Peter and John, and the two disciples raced to the tomb to see for themselves. John (the “disciple whom Jesus loved”) arrived first and peered into the empty tomb. The shroud was still there; the body had not been stolen. Then John allowed Peter, the elder Apostle, to enter the tomb first and see for himself. Peter was slow to understand the meaning of the empty tomb, but John was convinced of Christ’s resurrection; he “saw and believed.” Like John, we see no physical evidence of the Risen Christ, yet we know in faith that He is alive in the world and in the hearts of all who believe in Him.
This is an Easter unlike any other as we continue to navigate through this Coronavirus pandemic. Because of social distancing and trying to “break the curve,” we are not together to celebrate this glorious day. Please be assured that you are in my prayers as I continue to celebrate Mass privately and offer the intention of the day. We will continue to link you to the Livestream of Masses celebrated by Bishop O’Connell and I will continue to provide a reflection/homily via our Facebook page.
Please continue to mail in your love offering or drop your envelope through the mail slot of the Rectory. I am grateful for all of your support. Happy Easter!
May God bless you all,
Father John