50-day Easter season proclaims the Risen Christ

As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord this Easter, we are reminded that it is not just one day but a season – 50 days from Easter to Pentecost.

As we celebrate our Lord’s glorious Resurrection from the dead we look ahead to his Ascension into heaven and the great Feast of Pentecost on May 28, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and our Lord’s instruction to go make disciples of all women and men, reminding us that we are called to bring the light of Christ to others.

As we joyfully proclaim “Alleluia” this Easter, let us recall that our faith flows from our Lord’s Resurrection, and that our celebration is one of joy and victory over sin and death through the light of Christ.

In each of our lives, we experience darkness. Our weakness, our sin and the burdens and crosses we carry every day can bring darkness into our lives and into our families.

Easter is our celebration of bringing light into the darkness.

As we celebrate this Easter season, let us ask ourselves where we may find the Risen Christ.

We find him in our own hearts; we find him in the love of our family and friends. We find him in a special way in the Eucharist – the body and blood of the “Risen Christ.”

As we encounter the Risen Christ, let us allow him to bring light and hope to the woundedness of our own hearts. Let us allow him to lighten the burdens we bear from one day to the next and the things that are heavy in our hearts.

In all of life’s circumstances, the Risen Christ is present. He brings light and hope and offers peace. He wants us to invite him to our experience of life.

This is my prayer for you during the Easter season: May you see the Risen Christ, the one who brings light and hope into your life today.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].