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Believe. Christ is risen.
Today we celebrate the beautiful feast of Easter. There is a happy ending to the agony in the garden, the mocking, the scourging, the carrying of the cross, the nailing of the Lord to the cross, and the crucifixion and death of our Lord. Through all that suffering, Jesus manages to rise above and be victorious. He humbles himself and becomes like us, enduring all of humanity’s worst qualities not only to show his power that obviously points to who he is, the Messiah, but, most importantly, to show that death cannot defeat him.
The point that we can learn from the Easter resurrection is that death doesn’t have power over us either. Indeed, through Christ we can rise victorious over death. Our earthly existence is not the end of our lives but rather a new chapter—a chapter that leads us to be united with our God for all eternity.
The reward, however, comes to fruition only because Jesus also conquers sin. He rises victorious over the sin of the world and offers himself as the Lamb of God and God accepts him and we are given the freedom to become his children, able to rise above our own sins and the sins of the whole world. We celebrate that moment of acceptance when God accepts Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the most acceptable sacrifice, at the Great Amen. Now all of us can share in his happy ending and blossom like God has intended, becoming reflections of love itself as revealed in Jesus.
Through God’s revelation of himself, we are shown that the way to truly live free is by being one with the Father, and no longer slaves to our own selfish purposes but living for the highest of aspirations—to be united to God on this earth and in heaven. That is the Easter joy that we celebrate and that permeates our senses today. That is the new life that we embrace and that overshadows the cross and allows the world to bloom as God dreams for us.
Amen? Amen!
Father Jamie
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Pastor's Ramblings
Health Update: Thank you for all of the prayers. I’m doing well after my latest procedure on April 4. I will be meeting with my doctors again soon to see what the next steps are, but I’m feeling very good at the moment.
Simnel Cake: Fr. Jacob and I were very lucky to have received a Simnel cake on Laetare Sunday. We want to thank Martha Lunken for dropping it off for us. I had written about it in my Pastor’s Corner and linked a recipe for it on Facebook. It’s nice to bring old traditions back.
House Blessing: Fr. Jacob blessed the new home of parishioners Adam and Maria Frazier on Saturday, April 5. This blessing brings the community together to pray and makes it a joyful and thankful event for a new home. If you would like your house blessed, please contact Fr. Jamie or Fr. Jacob.
Christians in the Holy Land: Thank you to all of those who bought items from the representative from Land of Peace who visited St. Cecilia last Sunday. They are a non-profit organization that supports Christian families in the Holy Land and fosters peace between the faiths —Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—struggling to coexist in a troubled part of our world.
Welcome, Child of God: Welcome, Judah Zion Bort, son of John Paul and Sarah Rose Bort. Sarah Rose is the Coordinator of the Young Adult Ministry at St. Cecilia. Fr. Jason was the presider at Judah’s baptism.
Fish Fry: The first three weeks of Lent we were treated to fish fries at SMSJ. Under the leadership of Amber Losekamp, these fish fries were excellent. The fish fries at SMSJ created momentum for the next three held in St. Cecilia’s gym. Many of my family members attended the first of the three fish fries at St. Cecilia on March 29. The St. Cecilia fries were run by Dave Gruber and his wonderful crew. We enjoyed great crowds and great food. Thanks to all who helped out and all those who came to support our parishes.