While I was preparing for the bulletin article this week, I was longing for my old computer. As it aged and became problematic, I never took the time to save old files. Now, however, I was tempted to look back at some of my former Easter messages and simply reprint one for 2016. Also, looking back at some of my messages helps put things into perspective as we approach these major liturgical celebrations. On the other hand, there is so much fresh about Easter that reusing something seemed like a bit of a copout. Further, there is perspective from both pastoral and life experience which make this like any other Easter in history; for both you and I.

Rather than point out obvious distinctions which illustrate historical and life circumstances this year compared to the past, there is a lot more suspense in looking ahead. Each day is a new beginning and each Easter is an opportunity to respond to the reality that our God, like no other god in universal history, took on our flesh (Incarnation/Christmas), died (Good Friday) and rose from the dead… well, you know, that's today!

Those facts in themselves ought to make us feel really special. Even more, if we've come to the waters of baptism, we have the assurance that our God called us by name. Each moment in time after that call, He chooses to provide graces in our lives to aid us in living out that baptismal call. And, along with the call comes our mission to make disciples of all nations! In other words, we are to proclaim the good news that our God has risen!

So, rather than point out the obvious challenges in our local, regional, state, national and global levels, its our responsibility to seek the good news of God. While we function in an often damaged world, because we have been called and we have a relationship with God, we are the ones who find God's work on purpose. We are the ones rejoicing in God's blessings great and small. We find those blessings daily or weekly and regularly recount them with others to rejoice in God's work among us. By glorifying God through our acknowledgement of His blessings, we continue to be messengers of the good news and witnesses to Christ. If we do not highlight the graces of God, who will? So we seek Him, we find Him and we praise Him for continuing to act among us.

The days of Easter are not limited by a few minutes in church, the days of Easter go on for weeks. We'll each do our part to deepen our sense of Easter joy by remaining faithful to God in our homes and in our church. Our fidelity and our worship will continue to make us better disciples in the footsteps of Christ so that one day we will really be like Him, enjoying the fullness of God's presence in the eternal life Jesus won for us through His resurrection from the dead.

Like the old computer which tempts us to look back at the past, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on the future. Sure the Lord blesses our days, but more than that He wants us to have an even more beautiful future with Him. We have all the ability in the world to keep looking ahead and so we do. Looking at how we can grow like plants from the earth, looking at how our faith deepens like the disciples in the early church, increasing our hope in better days ahead and an abundance of God's blessings each day of our lives.

On behalf of our Parish and School Staff and countless regular volunteers, Happy Easter everybody!

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