Last week’s reflection encouraged us to stay longer at the foot of the cross of the crucified Jesus on Good Friday. Holy Week is marked by the ugliness, suffering and sadness of the Passion and Death of our Lord. We need this time to come to terms with the sacrifice Jesus made of Himself for all human beings. If the story ended there, we would be inclined to hurry away in fear and sorrow just like the disciples. But no, incredibly, and miraculously, that was not the end of the story. God’s plan to redeem mankind had not ended in sorrow and failure. Christ’s suffering and death was the price He willingly paid for our redemption. Christ arose from that tomb resurrected to new life. He triumphed over sin (our sin) and conquered death, thus clearing a path to eternal life for each of us. This is the Good News we are called to believe and to share. It is God’s unearned gift to each of us. May we have the courage and persistence of Mary of Magdala looking for Jesus in the tomb “early in the morning while it was still dark.” Like Peter and John who didn’t hesitate on hearing her news but “ran” to the tomb, may we also be filled with the enthusiasm and faith to seek and find our Lord. The search won’t be easy, as it wasn’t easy for these disciples. The disciples struggled to understand that Jesus could rise from the dead. But their persistence and faith came to fruition. God has promised us too that if we persist in faith to seek Him, we also will find Him. He calls us and awaits our response. And finding Him, we will join the angels and saints in singing the unending “Alleluia” (Let us praise the Lord)! In the words of the Psalmist, “By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” (Psalm 118: 23-24) Have a joyful and glorious Easter. Reflection by parishioner, Dale Gerber