CHRIST IS RISEN! Truly He is risen! These were the words which were first spoken by the women disciples who went to the tomb of Jesus early on the first day of the week. Angels had announced this news to them. However, it was to Saint Mary Magdalene that the Risen Christ had first appeared and who told her to announce this news to His Apostles. These myrrh-bearing women brought the good news of Resurrection to Saint Peter and his confreres. The Apostles would bravely proclaim that CHRIST IS RISEN after the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
For the followers of the Risen Christ each Sunday is “Easter all over again.” The first day of the week has become the Sabbath observance for us. Sunday is the day for worship and praise. This is the day for Sabbath rest and meditation. Every Sunday for us is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. Whenever we deliberately miss Holy Mass on the Lord’s Day WE ARE IN SIN. This sin must be forgiven in the sacrament of penance before we can present ourselves for Holy Communion. The breaking of the Third Commandment is a serious offense, as is the non observance of the other nine. Right from the start the followers of the Risen Christ gathered to celebrate the Eucharist as is evident in Acts of the Apostles. I emphasize this because our liturgies this Sunday will be better attended because of the feast. I am so happy to see so many whom I do not normally see on a Sunday. I welcome you with joy! But as your Father, I remind you of your weekly obligation to join with us to celebrate EASTER on the first day of the week. Worshipping God each week by celebrating the Eucharist is also a sign of our affirmation of LIFE. Each Sunday celebrates LIFE as we commemorate the Lord Jesus’ Holy Resurrection from the dead. For it was on this day that the promise of ETERNAL LIFE became a reality for you and for all those who believe.
Next Sunday we observe DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, a universal feast which draws our attention to the wonderful gift of mercy our Lord offers to all who come to Him. Through the mystical revelations given to Saint Faustina Kowalska the Lord Jesus exposed His heart overflowing with love and mercy for every sinner. I invite you to join with me for “AN HOUR OF MERCY” which will take place next Sunday beginning at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on East Main Street. During that time a priest will be available for the sacrament of penance. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be sung at 3 o’clock, the Hour of Mercy.
THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
HAPPY EASTER – CHRIST IS RISEN! – TRULY HE IS RISEN!
Father Zig