Today, world over, we echo the angel's message to the women: "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised. Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt 28:5-6).
My dear brothers and sisters, one might be curious to ask, what is the message of Easter? The message of Easter is one of hope. And also of a life-transforming power of the resurrection, which is the central theme of the gospels. Our Lord's resurrection gives us the power to transform our lives and make life better. Christ's resurrection is the basis of our faith and hope.
Let us be people of hope. Hope doesn't kill anyone. Even though hope cannot be eaten like food we cannot live without hope. Hope is the foundation of the world. Let us all be traders of hope. Forget about the past cultivate a new beginning. Today is today, what can be done today it shouldn't wait for tomorrow. Hope is yours let it strengthen you.
Yesterday is yours let it teach you. Today is yours fulfill your dreams. Tomorrow is yours hope for the best. Tribalism exists end it. Religious divisions exist, pull away from such divisions. The people are yours love them. The truth is yours know it. The disease that is disturbing you, give it a good bye never to see it again. Death is not the ultimate end delay it. The life is yours increase it. The victory is yours claim it. Don't be scared by anything you have been wonderfully created in the image and likeness of God.
If you have got a grudge, drop it. If you want to revenge, forgive. If you have got a temptation, overcome it. If you have got hatred, wipe it away. If you have pain, transcend it. If you have a personal difficulty, go beyond it. If there is no reconciliation, reconcile. If you have got intrigue in your heart, chase it away. If you have got a mountain of problems send it away by faith. If you have got bad manners overcome it by goodness. If death worries you, delay it. If you have a cross, carry it. If you have got a challenge, face it. If they throw you down, stand up. If they laugh at you, give them a smile. If they badmouth you, pray for them. If they hate you, love them. If they kill you, resurrect.
In conclusion, please know of the two philosophies of life:
1. First there is Good Friday then Easter Sunday
2. First there is a Crown of thorns then there is a Crown of Glory
Homily prepared by Rev. Christopher Letikirich, CSC
Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, East Africa
Easter Sunday, 20 April 2014
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