Jesus Christ is risen today!

March 24, 2005

Dear Friends in Christ,

Something that all people take pride in is what they are able to hand on to the next generation. For example, our forefathers wrote down in a preamble to our government that they wanted to pass on to us the blessings of liberty.

So it's quite natural for us as we gather together in faith on Easter to celebrate and pass on to others the centerpiece of our Catholic faith. That happens to be what we will proclaim at the beginning of the celebration of our Eucharist: Jesus Christ is risen today!

That proclamation is not popular, whether today or yesterday. In fact, if you and I were among the first people believing and professing it we would have been arrested. Yes it was the teaching of Christ's resurrection that first got Peter and the other disciples thrown into jail - not the miracles performed; not the sacraments; but the Resurrection - the greatest of our doctrines. So too, when St. Paul brought up the resurrection of Christ in his dialogues with the Greeks in Athens and the citizens of Corinth the people sneered and became suspicious.

May each of us realize that the Resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith, is not all that complicated. In very simple terms the Church summarizes our resurrection belief and makes it an article of faith: "On the third day after His death, Christ rose gloriously from the dead." We find it in our creeds; attested to in the traditions of the Church; plainly written in the sacred scriptures; and suffered for by the blood of many martyrs.

As we celebrate the centerpiece of our Catholic faith this Easter we proclaim that it encompasses us - it is for us! When Jesus instructed his first disciples form the very beginning he said: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." Also, Jesus desires it for us. In the tender moments of the Last Supper we hear these words from Jesus: "...that where I am you also may be- - I will not leave you orphaned - I will come back to you." And later He prayed to the Father: "...I say all this - that they may share my joy totally-Yes, Father, all those you gave to me I would have in my company where I am, to see this glory of mine." (Cf. John 17)

No wonder then, that the Church proclaims this so clearly about us: "All the dead will rise again on the last day." And "The happiness of heaven will last for all eternity." Jesus truly wanted to pass on to all who followed and believed in Him the blessing of eternal life.

We might ask what implication do these words have for us. How do we pass on this centerpiece of our faith? Especially to the children around us, to our neighbors and friends, even though they may never be Catholic? Well, how do parents pass on parenthood? By the loyal living of it, that's how. No magic. No pretense. Just by being a good mother and father, by practicing that noblest of callings. And so the greatest news ever to come to every human, the resurrection and glory we will have is very simply passed on by the loyal living of this Good News, day in and day out. It is by the living of this Good News in pain and joy, by gladly joining with each other every Sunday in worship and prayer knowing that everything we profess in our faith comes down to one thing: We are a resurrection people because Jesus Christ is risen. May our song and prayer be raised: "Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!"

A blessed Easter to all the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the Diocese.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine
Diocesan Administrator