The Resurrection of the Lord

Dear Friends,

With great humility and an almost desperate jubilation, we approach the great mystery of the Resurrection. A very happy Easter to everyone — the sacred day without which true “happiness” would be only a passing shadow or a wishful dream. As Saint Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised... if for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.”

But He is risen indeed! Alleluia! How great is our God, and how lucky — how blessed — we are to be on the receiving end of such an unthinkable gift, such an ineffable reality.

There is a part in today’s Gospel that is both fun and that catches our attention. It is rare that the Scriptures speak of grown men — and even more so, women — running. As far as I know, this is the only time it happens in the Gospel of John. How often do you run outside of your exercise routine? When was the last time you physically ran to see someone, or to witness something? The thrill, excitement, and expectation running through the hearts of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John must have been through the roof! This is a subtle, but strong testament to the gravity of this event.

You and I aren’t going to run to Mass today to hear the testimony of Mary Magdalene — and that’s fine. However, we might ask ourselves: are her words any less meaningful today than they were when first spoken? Though repetition can often make the extraordinary feel ordinary, that doesn’t mean it actually is. Today, we are witnesses to the most extraordinary event in human history.

So let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia. Amen.

-Michael Gokie, Assistant Newman Director