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From the Associate&
Easter "Alleluia," Exclamation of Exclamations!
If you were a disciple or apostle, and had witnessed Jesus' Resurrection, what would you have exclaimed? How about, "Alleluia, He is Risen! Indeed He has Risen!" And how could you not tell every loved one, friend and neighbor the incredible miracle you just witnessed, as you shouted out the truth from the housetops, throughout the cities, byways and into foreign lands? The early Christians were persecuted, but the message only grew stronger with time. Today, we finally reach the culmination of all our Lenten preparations, and now celebrate the Resurrection, with hearts renewed by our spiritual disciplines. For forty plus days we did not repeat the Alleluia in the liturgy, but now it resounds throughout the world, emanating from the chorus of every Christian congregation singing triumphantly the victory chant, "Alleluia, he is risen! Indeed he has risen!"
Easter is the most important feast in the Christian year. Although Christmas sometimes feels grander, because of the hype surrounding the giving of presents, it is actually subordinate to, and finds it fulfillment and ultimate meaning only in the Paschal Mystery. The dawn of the Resurrection is truly the greatest event that has ever occurred in the history of the universe. Thus, it is this article of faith, and not Christmas, which we remember every Sunday throughout the liturgical year. Sometimes we miss its magnanimity. Consider that no one else in all creation has ever returned, claiming to have eternally risen in bodily and spiritual form, after having died: not Mahatma Ghandi, not Mohammed, not Buddha, not Abraham Lincoln, not Mother Therese, etc. Have you ever seen a human being alive, who was truly dead and would never die again? It is the miracle of miracles that Jesus Christ came back to life such that his body and soul remain forever alive in heaven. In turn He has promised to raise us, children of God, who believe in His resurrection and in the fact that He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. The Blessed Virgin Mary he raised after her earthly life was completed. Because she did not sin, or have original sin, in this life, we believe that her body was also raised by Christ to heaven, and not just her soul. We who have sinned will experience first the salvation of our souls, and later at the end of human history, when Christ returns again, out bodies shall rise, to be reunited with our souls, and oh what joy shall fill our hearts.
I know that I am looking forward to treats when I get home from Mass today. Hopefully I won't gorge myself too much, after the long fast (ha!). I hope to enjoy with some moderation, Easter eggs, candy, and a festive meal with family. But I believe the Holy Spirit would wish us to celebrate at least one thing immoderately this week: namely to rejoice excessively and exuberantly, as we proclaim the faith, which makes our hearts sing, "Alleluia, He is Risen. Indeed He has Risen!"
-- Fr. Michael
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