April 1980
"I am the Resurrection; whoever believes in me, even if they die, will live." (John 11:25)
Christ's victory over death can be our victory starting today. Why Christ's Resurrection? For our own resurrection—if, from this moment, we choose to live by the Spirit of the risen Christ.
"Love one another as I have loved you. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
The journey to Lourdes unfolds through countless small gestures that, over months and weeks, express our desire to remain faithful to the Easter message, despite all obstacles.
"If anyone loves me, they will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23)
Called by Name
The Church moves forward on its pilgrimage through the persecutions of the world and the consolations of God, proclaiming the cross and death of the Lord until the day of his coming.
The power of the risen Lord is the strength that allows him to overcome, with patience and charity, the afflictions and difficulties that come to him from without and within, and to reveal faithfully to all the world the mystery of the Lord, still shrouded in shadow, until the day when at last he will shine in the fullness of light.
Vatican II, the Church, 1
After the Resurrection, Jesus remained among people, appearing many times to his friends.
On the day of the Resurrection itself, he appeared to Mary Magdalene near the tomb. Yet she did not recognize him at first. Lost in her despair, she knew him only when he called her by name.
Often Jesus is near us, as he was near Mary Magdalene, and we do not recognize him. We are caught in our own troubles, sometimes gripped by anguish, and we cannot feel his presence.
And yet he calls us because he wants us to be his friends. Let us try to hear his voice. Without fear, let us ask him to help us find peace.
A mother, Carla M.
(Italy)
Suggestions
- If possible, gather with your community to take part in the Easter celebrations in your parish.
- Like Mary Magdalene, each of us has moments of deep sorrow and despair when we feel abandoned. How can your community help you recover faith in Jesus's tenderness?
- Jesus unites us, loves us, and teaches us to love. Think of a small gesture of joy, a gesture of forgiveness, a smile, a flower…