Easter 2014

Dearly Beloved, 

Happy Easter!  Many blessings to you in this joyful season as we recall the mystery of Christ's resurrection.    

The disciples Peter and John, discovered the empty tomb of Christ.  But it is interesting how St John describes it.  

After Mary Magdalene reports of the absence of Christ's body, the disciples Peter and John, ran to the tomb.  

One of the first things they saw is the burial cloths. They were still there at the tomb.  This is an indication that if someone wanted to steal the body of Jesus, they would've taken everything including the burial cloths.  The burial cloths were one of the evidence that Christ is risen.  

The empty tomb was the necessary thing that the early Apostles and early Church needed to see and hear.  It was the final confirmation that Christ is truly from above; the beloved Son of God.  

In these forthcoming weeks of Easter, the appearances of the Risen Christ brings hope to his followers.  In addition to the resurrection, the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (conclusion of Easter) will increase their faith as they give witness to what they have seen and heard.  

May this holy Easter Season be a time to renew our hope in Christ.  May the doctrine expressed in the Nicene creed remind us of our own resurrection with Christ.  "We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come."  

Just as Christ was raised from the dead on the third day, may we have an increase of hope because of our own resurrection with Him.  Blessings.