“AN EASTER LIKE NO OTHER” - EASTER GREETINGS FROM FR. DANIELE
“Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:15-16)
The two disciples on the Road to Emmaus had Jesus near and with them, but did not recognize him after the Resurrection. They had just witnessed the crucifixion - they were crushed and their hope had been taken away from them. They were sad - and now left in this unusual situation - wondering among themselves - what do we do now?
This Easter - we may find ourselves in the same situation - sad, lonely, crushed and hopeless. Even for myself, I must admit that this time has been difficult not being able to see you and celebrate with you. But on the first Easter, when Jesus rose from the dead, the streets were empty too. The temples were empty. Travellers were heading home. The disciples were locked in a room paralyzed by fear. And suddenly, the news of Jesus rising from the dead began to spread. Those who were sad, rejoiced. Those who were lonely, felt embraced. Those who were crushed, uplifted; and those without hope were restored. Jesus had truly risen from the dead!
And what did he do when he rose from the dead? He “came near and went with them”. The Risen Jesus comes near to us today too - even though at first we may not recognize him. Let’s remind ourselves that the Risen Jesus is no longer bound. No longer bound by suffering or death, and he is not bound by isolation or by distance either. He rose from the dead to be ever-present with us, and comes to us this Easter in new ways but with the same love and hope for us.
Let’s let the Risen Jesus resurrect in us a deeper love for him, a deeper trust in him, a deeper serenity and peace in him, and in turn to be able to bring new life into our own lives and in the lives of those around us who may not recognize the Risen Jesus at this time.
I wish I could see all of you - I do miss all of you. But be assured of my closeness to you in prayer this Easter, and I send my blessings to you and your families. On behalf of Deacon Allan Charette and our parish staff, I truly wish you all a Happy and Holy Easter! Alleluia! Alleluia!