A Blessed and Happy Easter!
We hear these words in today’s Gospel: “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark and saw the stone removed from the tomb.” After experiencing the torture and crucifixion of Jesus and having her heart broken through it all, now the tomb was empty. St. John often puts in phrases that we can easily overlook; the phrase that I am referring to is “it was dark.” St. John uses this to show not just the darkness of the night, but the “darkness” in the followers of Christ because of His death. Their faith and hope in Jesus was gone… or was it? His resurrection reassures us that even though there is often “darkness” in our lives, it is the Lord who strengthens and enlivens our hope. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
Congratulations to our Elect who have been baptized, confirmed and received the Eucharist. Congratulations to our candidates for completing their initiation into the church. You are an inspiration to us and we are happy that you are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Congratulations to Joe Nuzzi and the RCIA Team for journeying with this group since September. It is always a great joy for me to preside at the Easter Vigil and celebrate the Easter sacraments with these brothers and sisters. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you!
Thank you to Fr. Timothy Shreenan, Director of Liturgy; Edward Trochimczuk, Director of Volunteer Ministries; and Meredith Augustin, Director of Music. A special thanks to all the cantors, organists, choir, musicians, altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and ministers of hospitality who were so helpful throughout the Triduum. You are a blessing to us!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.