Through “Easter Faith”, The Church Rejoices in Christ’s Resurrection

On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we began the Holy Season of Lent. Looking out our windows on this day there was probably a yearning for spring. After a long winter, the trees were still bare, snow was still on the ground and in the forecast. One could say that our mood was likely a bit downcast. What a perfect disposition for the beginning of Lent! Yet, we were certainly not as disheartened as two of Jesus’ prime disciples, Peter and John. John had stood by Jesus and His sorrowful mother throughout the whole Passion. What he experienced was the man he respected most and saw as having divine authority totally humiliated. Jesus became as the psalms prophesized “a worm and no man”. Peter, on the other hand, had great confidence in Jesus and in himself, but at the most critical hour, he fell hard. Peter denied our Lord and wept bitterly as he heard of Jesus’ horrific death.

Yes, the scene after the crucifixion was one of a barren earth, cold and lacking any hope of rebirth. It is into this scene that Mary Magdalen comes bearing with her the remedy for the darkness which had enveloped the disciples. She brings with her the gift of Easter Faith. What is Easter Faith? Well, it is beautifully symbolized by the wonderful flowers which adorn our Church today and also those coming to birth outside. Yes, after a very long winter a new birth is taking place before us. Easter Faith changes the mood of all creation. It brings peace, joy, and most importantly, hope after the darkest of winters.

Simply put, Easter Faith is the “empty tomb”. For some this tomb is just an empty cave and there are thousands of rational reasons why the body of Jesus is no longer present. It was stolen. It was part of an elaborate hoax which has lasted for centuries. But for those who choose to respond to grace, a new world opens up for them from a simple empty tomb. Mary Magdalen, the once great sinner, is the first to experience this new world of Easter Faith. She runs to the disciples who in turn run to the tomb. These two men are carrying a heavy load on their backs, feelings of dejection and utter despair. Reaching the tomb, they are overcome with a new hope. Could it be possible? The beginnings of Easter Faith are just budding forth, but it will take time, prayer, and an experience of the Risen Lord for the full blossoming.

Evil’s Time is Short

The heart of Easter Faith is that Evil has itself been sentenced to death. It is not dead yet, but its time is short. Evil, especially suffering and death, are not yet gone, but they have been turned upside down. Jesus’ demise on the cross was pure evil, but he rose conquering death. So we too will suffer and die to this world, just like the winter brings death to nature. However, Easter Faith means that the darkness of even the worst winter gives way to the most beautiful spring for those who believe. If we truly have this “Faith” our perspective on life has changed. Peace and joy can be ours throughout this life as we await the new life of heaven.

There is one last important aspect of this Easter Faith which we see in the Gospels: it must be shared with others. As Mary Magdalen does, we must take this faith out to others or it dies. This is the New Evangelization that so many of the Popes have been asking of us! We are to share the Truth and Love of the Gospel with our neighbor so they too can share this joy.

Yes, Lent began in darkness, but it ends with light. The light and beauty of the Easter flowers symbolize for us the new life offered to us. It is our choice. What do we think about the empty tomb? The question is simple, but the answer will determine if we have Easter Faith, which changes everything for us.