EASTER
2005
Welcome!
We come here this ,morning to celebrate Easter Faith!
Faith born out of darkness – hopelessness
Faith restored – because Jesus Christ has risen
and for that we sing – Alleluia!
Two women stood before Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
One asked, "Why can't we build structures like this anymore?"
Her friend answered, "The people who built this had faith.
Today we have opinions. And you can't build a cathedral with opinions."
We celebrate our faith – Catholic Faith
that has over centuries built cathedrals
and a legacy for future generations.
We celebrate Easter Faith
that believes in possibilities
and becomes the mortar for the bricks.
There are givens, there truths!
There are words and actions
treasures that the Church gives to us.
And when we do them well.
When we do them, He is here.
Our gospel tells us about Mary Magdalene going to the tomb.
All of the accounts of the resurrection place Mary as the first witness to the resurrection.
Traditionally, icons of Mary Magdalene picture her holding an egg.
The ancient symbol of resurrection.
She was doing something that we all do.
She went to the tomb because she lost something.
She lost a friend, she lost an experience.
She thought that perhaps, if she went to the tomb
she could get some of those feelings back.
Perhaps being in the right place, she could recapture feelings
that Jesus gave her – when she was forgiven
– when she sat at his feet and washed his feet with her hair.
Don’t we do that – if only I could re-create the space
if only I could bring back the feeling when I was…
if only I could have a spiritual experience like…
if only I could go back on that retreat.
Let us learn something from this Easter story,
from Mary Magdalene, the former sinner.
She went to the tomb to be with Jesus.
She attempted to recreate an experience, a feeling.
and she could not see Him standing in front of her.
She talked to him and didn’t recognize Him.
She tried too hard.
She probably had ideas of how it was supposed to happen.
We often approach our search for God
like an Easter Egg Hunt.
He’s around here somewhere.
If only I can find out where He is hiding?
My friends, My children
He is right here!
He has Risen and is among us.
Stop trying to recreate that past
and look to an eye-opening future.
Happy Easter
