For the secular world, Easter is all about brightly colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. For us, Easter represents the fulfillment of the Good News of the Gospel — Jesus, who was crucified, is risen!
Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and God the Father raised Him and made Him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over cruelty, forgiveness over anger, truth over deception, and life over death.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, is constantly reminding us to care for those less fortunate. “The Easter message of the risen Christ,” the pope said recently, “a message of life for all humanity, echoes down the ages and invites us not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, an ever more numerous throng of migrants and refugees — including many children — fleeing from war, hunger, poverty and social injustice.”
The Good News is not simply a matter of words, it is about unconditional and faithful love and our response. It is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those in trouble, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the vulnerable. It is literally being Christ for all.
May this Easter, during our 150th anniversary year, inspire us to joyfully witness our good fortune that we are saved.
May Our Risen Lord bless you and those you love.
God bless you.
Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly
Bishop of Wilmington