Saint John the evangelist, giving the joyful news of the resurrection of our Lord says, “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark…” and after a brief description of the empty tomb he writes in chapter 20, verse18, “Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, ‘“I have seen the Lord.”’ Similarly
Saint Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, bearing witness to the resurrection of our Lord, says: “…that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.” (1Cor.15:5-8).
Dear friends, these are the eyewitnesses of the resurrection. Easter comes at a time when we see new life in nature with flowers and greenery. Our Lord Jesus Christ, through His resurrection, has defeated the powers of death and evil and through His victory He promises new life to all who believe in Him. Therefore this feast is a feast of new life and hope. Are you or someone you love struggling with medical problems? Are you concerned about your family or your financial situation? Are you worried about the widespread evil in the world? Are you living a joyful and peaceful life? No matter what problems we find ourselves in, Risen Jesus is the answer. When He appeared to His disciples in the evening of the Easter Sunday, His first gift to them was peace. The Risen Lord loves you and He wants to give peace to you also. His victory is our victory. With Him and through Him we can overcome anything and everything that is oppressing us now. As St. John says, “He is our life and without Him there is no real life.” The risen Lord is inviting us right now: come to me and have life from me! Let us heed His invitation. Let us renew our commitment to Him and receive peace and new life.
On behalf of Fr. Russ, our Deacons Emmet, Paul, and Andy, and the entire parish staff, I wish a Blessed and Happy Easter to you and your family. May the Risen Jesus become alive in you and in your families! God bless you!
Father Birendra Soreng, Pastor