Monday after Easter

Good Afternoon, dear reader. We continue the Easter journey. Jesus's followers are now aware that He has been resurrected. But, there is more work to be done before His assention into heaven.

The story of the guards.. what can I say?! lol How do they explain the empty tomb? No one would believe their story of an earthquake and an angel. Would you? I'd probably ask what drugs these guys were on! I mean, seriously.. earthquakes and angels and a missing body. Sounds like a bad plot on one of my murder mystery shows that I like to watch. No one wanted to lose their jobs. They didn't want to look like blithering, drugged out idiots. So, what could they say? Enter bribery... works every time! These men weren't followers of Christ. They just did what everyone else would do. Here's some money to keep your mouth shut. I find one flaw in their plan.. the guards wanted to use the excuse that Jesus's disciples came in the night and stole the body. Well, if that were true, then someone was asleep on the job! But, I suppose that's better than the fate that would befall these men if they told the truth! 

On a more serious note, Peter's speech in Acts was a powerful one. I think the one phrase that really stands out was when Peter said, "But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it" (v 24) Can you imagine!! Jesus could not and would not be bound by death! Wow!! That really packs some punch! But, this shouldn't come as any great surprise to us. Remember, this is the same Man who calmed the storming seas and walked on water! Jesus is our ultimate Superman!! He can do anything! So don't be afraid to reach out to Him. He can bear anything you may be dealing with. Matthew 11:30 even tells us this "For My yolk is easy and My burden is light". 

So, let us savour this week with its promises and hope. Let us use this opportunity to be renewed and refreshed. Come stand in the light of Jesus! And, as always, dear reader... be a nice human. 😇

Reflection on today from Msgr. James Vlaun: https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2022-04-18-reflection-261

Here is a beautiful, Celtic rendition of "In Christ Alone": https://youtu.be/o9VzJmtmSFI

Easter Sunday

Good Morning, dear reader and Happy Easter!!! I am doing something just a tad different this morning. I have chosen the readings myself as well as the verse. 

Throughout this Lenten season, we saw how the coming of Jesus, His life and His ministry, and His ultimate death and resurrection were prophisied in the Old Testament. This was God's promise to us, a Saviour, a King. This give us hope. It keeps our faith. We know we can trust in God's promises. Today, we celebrate that promise. 

That first Resurrection Sunday was not the joyous event that we have today. We have the benefit of knowing the outcome of the story. But, on that day, when the women went to where Jesus was buried and found only a young man sitting there, they didn't know what to make of it. They were afraid if they said anything about seeing this young man in the tomb, they, too, would be crucified. So they stayed silent. 

However, our reading in Acts alludes to what is to come. Since the women at the tomb were afraid to say anything, Jesus had to come back to speak with the others so that they would understand and see that He was indeed raised from the dead, just as He said would happen. Jesus urged His disciples to stay in Jerusalem, to spread the news that He was alive and He would make Himself known to all in just a few short days. 

In the coming days, we will continue to celebrate the resurrection, to celebrate Jesus's promises, to rejoice in His life, and to remain hopeful until the day we are called home. Do not stay silent, as those women did. Speak out! Speak up! Tell the world that Jesus has overcome the dark and brings us new light!! And, as always, dear reader..... be a nice human! 😇

A reflection on the Easter celebration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ciwAkn7Jlg 

Matt Maher "Christ Is Risen": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV42JDKd5c4