As we’ve seen during our journey through Lent, it is easy for us to lose focus and be distracted by the unimportant or the urgent of what is at hand. In this Easter season, we are reminded through Christ’s Resurrection that we are constantly given opportunities for rebirth, new life, and new beginnings.
As we live Authentically Yours, as God’s beloved, we are confident God’s Mercy Endures Forever: let us be His Light. As we have journeyed through Lent and an intensified Holy Week, I hope your heart is rejoicing and full of light in the fact that God’s mercy endures forever. He is risen! He has risen, indeed! Alleluia! I hope your faith has been strengthened and your heart has been lovingly pruned and purified so it is bursting with love. Christ suffered greatly to grant us access to eternal life. The time is now for us to mature spiritually and Be His Light in the world.
How do I honor my family and friends that have died?
On Holy Saturday, we are in a time of sadness and loneliness as Jesus lies in the tomb. However, while we are in this day of waiting and watching, we are comforted in the knowledge that Jesus will rise from the dead on Easter Sunday, securing our eternal salvation and conquering death by the sacrifice of His life. Jesus, the spotless, pure Lamb of God, paid the penalty for our sins by this sacrifice, conquering death both spiritually and physically. We are assured that we now have the opportunity to join in eternal life with God after our earthly journey has been completed.
Do I remember and honor my dead family and friends?
The past few years have been filled with heartbreaking news — the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, mass shootings, economic hardships, and the war that continues to be waged in Ukraine. The death tolls from each of these events are reported and it is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of people that lost their lives and the impacts of those deaths on their family, friends, and communities.
Valuing others is justice. The virtue of love grows our generosity.
Despite the rejection and harsh judgments of many, Jesus went about doing good. This is what he meant by saying that “wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Faith is an attitude of trust and how I approach God. Faith is an openness to what God wants to reveal to me, to do in my life, and to invite my participation. It should be obvious that in dealing with the infinite and all-powerful personal God, I am never in control.
Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.