Exiit qui seminat - Alleluia
Resurrexit sicut dixit! Alleluia! He is risen as He said! Alleluia! This traditional acclamation of the Easter season reminds us that Lent is over and now is the time to rejoice! But the proclamation of the Lord is much more poignant this year, especially compared to last. Easter is the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation, of Christ's victory over sin and death. Because we weren't able to be together last Easter because of the pandemic, there seemed to be a surrealness surrounding the reality of the empty tomb as so many of us were forced to reflect upon isolated and alone. But in the midst of the personal and general loses that we've all experienced over the past year, the Resurrection and our ability to celebrate it together we get to experience an even greater sense of freedom and new life. This is what the Resurrection is all about. The ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior transforms the whole of creation - the past, the present and the future. And while it seems like what we've gone through feels like it's been forever, it's actually "forever" that our Heavenly Father offers us through the saving action of the Son. All of this makes it more and more important to get our "Alleluias" in and to praise God for everything that He has done for us. Let us be thankful for the life that we live, even as we endured this time of suffering and trial. And most of all, we as Catholic Christians have to take seriously our role as a Resurrection people. For us, life on earth is just the journey and not the destination. As believers in the Resurrection Christ calls us to be symbols of hope and reflections of His love to all of our brothers and sisters. This also means that in the midst of the uncertainty, anxiety and doubt, we are reminded that sin and death no longer have any hold over us because our lives have been purchased by the Blood of the Lamb!
On behalf of Father Al, Deacon Rich and all of the staff and volunteers of St. Padre Pio Parish, I want to offer to you and your loved ones a most blessed and happy Easter Season!
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr Robert Sinatra
