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THE SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD  "Do not abandon yourselves to despair.  No one in this world wishes for bad times, disappointments, desperation and may be disheartening circumstances that are overwhelming like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Indeed, life is an adventure! It comes with both good and bad times. This has brought about despair and loss of faith in life's existence. A glance at the rate at which it is spreading and killing innocent lives naturally ignite fear and panic. In this devastating situation, the obvious intriguing question is, ” ooh God are you alive or dead?” ”God why... Don't you care?” In a more serious note Christians have become a target of mockery and a laughing stock. Where people ask, where is your God? But the Latin maxim, ”Dum Spiro Spero” to wit, ”while I breathe, I hope,” gives us something to hang on. There is always hope for the hopeless. There is nothing impossible for God. God’s time is the best. Hoping against hope all shall pass away. The celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Easter) gives us the evidence to sustain our hopes in this destitute moment. In the first reading Peter proclaimed the good works of Christ. He encouraged his fellow disciples to keep on believing in Him based on the resurrectional experience. Peter insisted on the fact that they were witnesses to all of these. Beloved family of God, the resurrection of Christ is the strength of our faith and the sustainer of our hopes. So what we need to do is to be authentic witnesses in our society, families and relationships in these trying days. In this period of COVID-19 instead of spreading the virus rather you should spread the joys and the good news of the resurrection through witnessing. Even though we keep social distances you can give a phone call, you can do face time videos, you can mail or email beautiful and inspiring words to someone to sustain the connection in these challenging moments. Don't forget to send your gifts too! Surely, the Psalmist proclaims, ”this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24) To keep the euphoria of this joyful and peaceful moment, Paul in the second reading, motivates us to continue to seek the things above and think about what is above, not of what is on earth. We were dead with Christ and have arisen with Him. So His resurrection has made us new creatures. Therefore, there should be a transformation in our attitudes, behavior, perceptions, character, desires, actions, etc. Be the evidence of the resurrectional experience to the world. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, our gospel reading presents to us the eagerness and the anxiousness with which Mary Magdalene and Peter run to the Tomb to witness the resurrection of Christ. Dear ones, we live in a world where many are so serious with unnecessary things that can not give eternal life. Rather, let us be eager and anxious about the word/commandments of God that will ultimately give us eternal life. We have a hope and share in the resurrection of Christ but unless we remain eager and anxious we can not achieve it. In this C-19 situation, the Lord has this for you, ”Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 Stay Home... Take precautions... Stay Healthy... Continue to PRAY!...Keep up the faith. I love you.... Let's meet on Facebook live. Fr. Emmanuel  Peter and John run to the tomb Comments are closed.
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Fr. EmmanuelFr. Emmanuel hails from Ghana and is passionate about the Gospel and bringing the love of Christ to all people. He speaks several languages, enjoys soccer and cooking, and loves St. Francis of Assisi. Archives
April 2021
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