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Dear Parishioners,
It comes as no surprise that today’s Scripture readings all begin with a retelling of the events of our salvation in Christ. We listen, but not like bystanders. For us, it is not simply a good story though it may be so for those new to Christianity. It has become a lived and personal experience. Although we are not eye witnesses, we see through the eyes of faith and feel with hearts filled with hope; sometimes it causes us to tremble. We see and remember as though we were present, and experience the work of our salvation as though it was happening in the present. It has become for us a memorial in the present; and by our faith, we make it an eternal source of God’s grace for the entire world to taste and see. But first, we have to be taught how to see by listening; then Christ becomes real to us as we learn to see through the eyes of faith.
We make it real and present by living the Word of God. We build the baptismal fonts and God quickens the water with the Spirit. We bring our offerings to the altars and God provides the Lamb for the sacrifice. Indeed, God is made present in every sacrament that celebrates his love, mercy and life therefore; we must first journey with him. We must go into the Jordan River to be baptized and into the desert places of our lives where we engage the Devil and overcome the temptation to sin. We must vow to serve God alone and not lust after worldly desires. We strive to make his journey ours as did his disciples who accompanied him to Jerusalem. They did not know how to live, but he taught them by example. In the end, they too were willing to sacrifice for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Brothers and sisters, we cannot truly know the experience of Easter joy without our Lenten observance, Holy Thursday’s Eucharist and Good Friday’s emptiness. Only then can we know the joy of Mary of Magdala and those who saw and believed. They were there and their lives were never the same again. Only then will we hunger and trust for his body and blood, and will our Eucharistic celebration turn into mission. He will take you all the way to heavenly glory.
Peace and Love,
Fr. Ralph
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