First Reading: Acts 10: 34a, 37-43

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4 

Gospel: John 20: 1-9

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter!

 

Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God’s mercy, out of love for us, died on the cross, and out of love he rose again from the dead. That is why we proclaim today: Jesus is Lord!

 

His resurrection fulfils the prophecy of the Psalm: God’s mercy endures forever; it never dies. We can trust him completely, and we thank him because for our sake he descended into the depths of the abyss. Before the spiritual and moral abysses of mankind, before the chasms that open up in hearts and provoke hatred and death, only an infinite mercy can bring us salvation. Only God can fill those chasms with his love, prevent us from falling into them and help us to continue our journey together towards the land of freedom and life.

 

The glorious Easter message, that Jesus, who was crucified is not here but risen, offers us the comforting assurance that the abyss of death has been bridged and, with it, all mourning, lamentation and pain. The Lord, who suffered abandonment by his disciples, the burden of an unjust condemnation and shame of an ignominious death, now makes us sharers of his immortal life and enables us to see with his eyes of love and compassion those who hunger and thirst, strangers and prisoners, the marginalized and the outcast, the victims of oppression and violence. 

Today is the radiant day of this victory, for Christ has trampled death and destruction underfoot. By his resurrection he has brought life and immortality to light. “He has made us pass from enslavement to freedom, from sadness to joy, from mourning to jubilation, from darkness to light, from slavery to redemption. Therefore, let us acclaim in his presence: Alleluia!” (Melito of Sardis, Easter Homily).

 

“See, I am making all things new… To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life” (Rev 21:5-6). May this comforting message of Jesus help each of us to set out anew with greater courage and hope, to blaze trails of reconciliation with God and with all our brothers and sisters. 

 

Jesus conquered evil at the root: he is the Door of Salvation, open wide so that each person may find mercy.

 

I thank you for your presence and your joy on this day of celebration. May you bring to all the joy and hope of the Risen Christ. Enjoy your Easter lunch.