Were we baptized, or are we baptized?  How we answer makes all the difference, for being baptized is not a one-off event but a manner of living.  To say, “we are baptized,” is an acknowledgement that baptism is the beginning of a life process and not a guarantee of salvation.  We must persevere to the end.  Do not be amazed at this.  Let’s be honest with ourselves: when it comes to living in imitation of Christ; of being His herald in today’s culture, are we really up to the task?  Do we treat it as a given that we are going to heaven?

​Persevering to the end is possible only by identifying anything that blocks us from living out our baptism, and seeing that Christ is the only One who can remove such obstacles.  It was so for the women who approached Christ’s tomb on Easter morning: ”Who will roll back the stone for us?”  The stone across the entrance to Christ’s tomb is symbolic of all that blocks our way to baptismal living.  Such a stone might be different for each of us, but for all of us that stone is very large.

​When the women came to the tomb, they found the stone had already been rolled away.  All they needed to do was enter the tomb.  To enter the tomb is to enter into Christ’s death and thus go through that transformative process of which He is the trailblazer, a process that leads to resurrection and thus a new and glorious life.  That’s baptism.

”Do not be amazed”, a young man sitting on the right side of the empty tomb says to the women.  Having entered the tomb and been utterly amazed at what they saw, the women were tasked with a mission to “Go and tell” what had happened.  We see that being baptized is not a passive experience, but a proactive one.

“Go and tell.”  We are to tell of Christ crucified and risen; we are to testify to the empty tomb.  Think of how many would benefit from our witness: “I am saved; I am being saved.”  We must live our baptism.  Do not be amazed at this; let us persevere to the end.

David J. Conrad

There is a newness that comes every Easter, but this year we are emerging from a trauma, one that the entire planet shared in.  The new light of Christ at the Easter Vigil is spreading across our planet, as we welcome new members to our Faith. As individuals we can use this Easter to reconnect with Christ in gratitude for what we have survived.  Just as importantly, we need to reignite some of our old members too.  Reach out and invite friends to Mass.  Easter might be the first time that some receive the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist in more than a year.  Pray with me that this experience of Christ will enliven them and each of us as the Holy Spirit works to bring us closer.

​Before we plow forward and emerge this Easter, think about what this year has taught us.  While we may have drifted away from some people, others in our “Bubble” were brought closer.  We developed new routines and if you have a family in your house, you certainly spent more time with them.  During the lockdown, I learned how precious a few hours of relaxing each day brought joy to life and I try to resist 10-12-hour workdays.  I learned to care for others.  With every correspondence, I inquired how they were doing instead of keeping it to business.  And I got to attend Daily Mass.  Nobody I know has been to more Masses than me this year!  And I am one by one reconnecting with friends and each has been a fantastic reminder of how vital our relationships are in bringing joy.  My life is better because of the struggle of the past year.

This Easter, I have a favor to ask, especially of all of you who find yourselves at home more.  Normally our kids and teens and young adults are quite resilient, but a year long crisis has taken its toll on many, no, rather most.  Some did not advance in their education, some even regressed psychologically, and all missed out on at least one thing they would normally look forward to.  Not only do they need your prayers, but they need your personal attention.  When you see them, especially at Mass, let them know who you are, and that you have been praying for them.  Start a relationship with them too, so they look forward to seeing you next week.  Any kind interaction you can think of will be welcomed.  We are a community that has gone a long time with out even shaking hands.  Use what you can to hug one another.

Paul Pyrkosz

We see fear all around us. Legitimate fears: fear of illness in the midst of this pandemic; political and partisan and social division that make us afraid and unsure; the fear of financial insecurity stalks many people just trying to live decent lives. The list of things of which to be afraid is long.

​Life demands courage—not an unthinking or blissful denial of reality—but feeling afraid and still acting for good. Courage is the conviction that we will see the goodness of the Lord in this land of the living. No matter what life brings on, we can rise above fear and trust God to be our light and our salvation, our sure stronghold in diversity.

This trust in God sets us free to be and act courageously, to live authentically, to forgive readily. All very scary prospects for us—it is difficult to live vulnerably. But trust gives us: the power to persevere (in the face of awful); the power to repent (admission of fault); the power to obey (loss of control); the power of compassion (when we want to “I told you so”). Trust gives us the inner strength and spirit to treat others with respect and tolerance (instead of in fear). Trust will give us hope and joy in our daily lives, honesty in our interactions, patience in waiting. Trust lies in our ability to “let go and let God.”

We know that our faith is the basis of our hope and trust—it is not dependent upon circumstance or luck, but on the very character of God. When we focus on the character of God all circumstances fall into their proper perspective. God has given us the “Blessed Assurance” that our lives (past, present and future) are in more capable hands than our own. This is faith in God from which springs hope and trust. Faith and hope and trust are a Trinity of their own; dependent, inter-dependent and relational.

The message of the Resurrection is one of hope in the face of all our fears—because we trust in God’s salvation for us and hope and believe in God’s goodness and mercy—we have faith. And we have good reason to be optimistic! Hope and trust give us understanding of the scripture and hymn text: “Death where is your sting?” So how do we go about changing our distress into moments of faith, hope and trust? I think the Rev. writer John O’Donohue says it best in this blessing:

For Courage
When the light around you lessens and Your thoughts darken until your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside,
When you find yourself bereft of any belief in yourself, And all unknowingly leaned on has fallen,
When one voice commands your whole heart, And it is raven dark.

​Steady yourself and see that it is your own thinking that darkens the world,
Search and you will find a diamond-thought of light,
Know that your are not alone and that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes to find the one gift your life requires Hidden within this night-corner.

Invoke the learning of every suffering you have suffered.
Close your eyes.
Gather all the kindling about your heart to create one spark.
That is all you need to nourish the flame That will cleanse the dark of its weight of festered fear.

A new confidence will come alive to urge you to higher ground 
Where your imagination will learn to engage difficulty As its most rewarding threshold!

Have a wonderful Easter season—May your life be a Psalm of Hope to all around you.
Keep singing in your hearts!

Just a Note:  Here are two lovely pieces of music corresponding to the Easter message of the Resurrection.

Elizabeth Dyc