Word to the Wise
Sunday, March 31, 2013 - Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord; The Mass of Easter Day - ABC
[Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:13-35 (for afternoon Masses),234]So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. [Luke]
Ancient excitement is hard to reconstruct or re-live. The accounts of the resurrection of the Lord show a mix of joy, disbelief, confusion, and much coming and going! In our day, we supply "Alleluia!" and sit comfortably in the pew! Easter is handed to us on a platter, as it were. The disciples on the road to Emmaus had their own experience, which was confirmed by that of the apostles, but which comes close to what we in our own day can have. We can read the scriptures and break the bread, but it is our faith that makes for the "burning heart" that those disciples experienced as they listened to Jesus. We have one advantage that they did not. For centuries we have heard the joyful cry, "Christ is risen! Alleluia!"
I hope there is some way we can find that "burning" and excitement in this "good news!" When all the excitement centers on hunting for the hidden eggs or chewing on the chocolate bunny ears, we've really lost Easter! Eggs and chocolate will not save us! Only Christ, truly risen, can do that. The scriptures and the breaking of the bread reveal Him to us. The original event was astonishing, but our own acquaintance, boosted by the true excitement of this day, can carry us through the year! Say it out loud: CHRIST IS RISEN! ALLELUIA! AMEN!