Rejoice in the Resurrection

EASTER 2023

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“Christ my hope has arisen…” – Easter Sequence
“You know what has happened all over Judea …” (Acts 10:37). Saint Peter’s words in the Acts of the Apostles introduce a compact account of Jesus’ public ministry. For three years Jesus’ preaching, healings, and good works fulfilled the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. His works of love and words of truth led to the dramatic events of Holy Week which the Easter sequence describes as death and life contending in that “battle stupendous.” On Good Friday it seemed as if sin, death and evil had triumphed. But when all seemed lost, Easter came. Christ rose. Today, the sequence joyfully announces, “The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.”
The joy of that announcement should sound in our souls and resonate in our hearts. Christ’s resurrection shows that, in the end, good triumphs over evil, mercy overcomes sin, and life - eternal life - follows death. In a world weary from conflict, war, indifference, uncertainty and grief, the Easter message of hope is timely and needed.
Easter is not just an end to Lent, a day of feasting, and a break from life. Easter is an elevation of life. Christ’s resurrection should be the lens through which we grasp life’s true meaning and our ultimate goal. It is the perspective which enables us to keep life’s disappointments, tragedies and discouragements in proper perspective. Our faith and God’s grace don’t exempt us from our trials in life. They equip us to live Christ’s Gospel on earth and to share His victory in Heaven.
Today, and every day, we should rejoice in the resurrection and give thanks to God for His mercy and love. We should be resolved, as Saint Paul says, to “seek that which is above” (Col 3:1). May the joy of Easter give you hope, may it guide your life and elevate your vision. Jesus Christ has risen and He promises His faithful followers, “whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25).
With every prayerful best wish for a joyous Easter, I remain

     Sincerely yours in Christ,
  
    Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
    Bishop of Worcester