Alleluia! Happy Easter! We made it through Lent, and the horror of Good Friday, to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from death to new life! All three readings today testify to Jesus’ resurrection. In the first reading, Peter proclaims Jesus as the One that all the prophets bear witness to, and that He has been appointed by God to be the judge of all. The second reading speaks to the relationship Jesus followers are called to have with Him, and the Gospel reading describes the scene on Easter morning…the finding of the empty tomb, first by Mary and then by Peter and John. Mourning, weeping, and despair turned quickly to rejoicing for the disciples, just as we turn from Lenten repentance and self-sacrifice to the joy of the Easter season! Jesus’ resurrection is the central fact of our faith. I assume that if you’re reading this, you believe that it really happened. But why? Is it simply a historical fact, or does it have personal implications for us? Do we believe it because it’s what we were taught, or do we believe it because we’ve personally experienced the Risen Jesus? Further, especially if we’ve experienced Jesus personally, do our lives reflect that experience? Is the Easter joy that we celebrate, not just today but throughout the Easter season, evident in our lives? In the first reading, we hear Peter proclaim “He commissioned us to preach to the people…” The “us” in Peter’s proclamation doesn’t just refer to the original disciples…it refers to you and me today. Lent was a time to die to our old selves so that we, too, can rise to new life in and with Jesus. It has been said that Christians should “Preach the Gospel at all times.” and “Use words if necessary.” My prayer for all of us is that the joy of Easter may be so permeated into our lives that it becomes evident to everyone that we encounter. Happy Easter!