In these uncertain times caused by the pandemic, we all have a wide variety of feelings. Some feel scared that this pandemic could take their life or the life of someone close to them. There are fears of loneliness and depression. Many feel frustrated and angry. No matter our feelings, as valid as they are, today we can stand firm in the one truth that causes much rejoicing: JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD!

Friends, God became human so that He could experience humanity in its fullness (without sinning). Jesus Christ is God who wanted to be tempted, laugh, cry, feel hunger, be depressed, suffer great pain, and even die so that He could be a personal and deeply intimate God. Our God knows what it’s like to be human and He wants us to one day know what it’s like to be God. We can only enter into Heaven and receive the gift of eternal life if we follow Jesus. We must take up our own Cross and follow the way Jesus walked. This is how we too will rise from the dead.

The best way we follow Jesus is through the Sacramental life of our One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. From the moment we are Baptized, we put on Jesus Christ and receive the inheritance promised to us. In the Sacrament of Confirmation we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit along with the gifts of the Spirit that help us discern and accept Gods will for our life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation continues the forgiveness of our sinfulness so we can remain in a state of Grace with the Blessed Trinity. Holy Communion is medicine that treats our sinful hearts and re-orders our mended hearts back to God, who is fully present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist. Those of us called to the Sacraments of Holy Matrimony or Holy Orders are given special graces to assist our spouse or parish community to get into Heaven. Finally, the Anointing of the Sick offers healing of mind, body, and soul to those suffering.

The Seven Sacraments are how we participate fully in Christ’s own passion, death, and triumphant resurrection (everything we’ve experienced these past days of the Triduum). It’s the Sacraments that keep us dedicated to our practice of daily prayer and feed us during times of suffering, like this pandemic. We must always stay close to the Sacraments because they remind us perfectly that the crucifix, that we venerated on Good Friday, is NOT the end of the story. The end of the story is celebrated today, Easter Sunday, at the empty tomb.

May the risen Christ bring joy and hope to our weary hearts.