Easter Season 2022 April 17-June 5th

What does the resurrection of Jesus mean for us?

·     We believe and know Jesus was raised. Scripture tells us he was the first born of many brothers and sisters. We fell in Adam, in Jesus a new humanity was created. Just as Jesus lives forever in Heaven with God, we have a Glorious destiny. Forever, eternal, infinite life! In Heaven, Paradise, the pleasure garden we were made for. With God, knowing God, experiencing God’s glory and goodness. Blessed Easter! We are an Alleluia People and resurrection is our living hope.

In the Catholic Church Easter is not simply one day, but a season of 50 days. Forty days of fasting (Lent) has turned into fifty days of feasting. We need ample time to receive the grace and the glory that is the resurrection. We need to time to learn about what is available to us. Chapter 8 of Paul’s letter to the Romans tells us about the new life that is ours in Jesus. Jesus spoke of it as “abundance.” (Jn. 10:10)

In our fallen state, we are separated from God. Our minds worry and are full of anxiety. Our moods can be damp and our attitude negative. We all know so well what it is to be human. Jesus reversed all of this by his life/death and resurrection.

·        First of all he breathed the Holy Spirit upon us. During the 50 days of Easter we read from the Acts of the Apostles. Some scholars have called Luke’s second work the “Acts of the Holy Spirit” because it is the Spirit who animates the apostles to “turn the world upside down.” This same Spirit lifts us up and brings us into intimacy with God, because the Spirit is God. Our prayer life can be revived and we can hear from God. Read the Mass readings during these 50 days. God will speak to you.

Where are we heading? The 50 days of Easter culminates in the Solemnity of Pentecost!

·       In addition we can rise in the way we think. Jesus’ parting gift and first words had to do with “Shalom.” Tranquility is a whole new way to live. We don’t have to be bent out of shape all of the time. Our emotions can be flighty, up one day and down even in the same day! The Spirit comes to bring stability and equanimity. Instead of being cynical and negative, the Spirit moves us to see the best in life and to dare to hope. Life really is what we make it and now is the time to turn things around. The Spirit is also the “energizer” according to St. Paul. We can have a new infusion of energy, strength and purpose. Our bodies can experience healing.

Easter means endless possibilities. Our life here is not set in stone, all things are possible for the one who believes. But we know, soon enough, our life here will end. The resurrection of Jesus offers us a “living” hope. We have an inheritance in Heaven and the Holy Spirit has come to assure us of what is to come as well as give us a foretaste of future Glory.

Jesus is truly Risen from the darkness and grip of death. The fifty days of Easter are upon us. Rejoice, celebrate, believe, hope, and sing Alleluia! A blessed and life changing Easter Season to you! Sincerely, Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.

Reflection based on Fr. Cedric’s book: Rise! Living the Risen Life.

Easter episode: https://youtu.be/Ml2wdyo-0t0