Jesus Christ is Risen Today!
Today, on the greatest feast of our Catholic faith, my mind actually turns to a Christmas song. As I write this column, re-reading the Scriptures and forming my message, I am listening to a You Tube compilation of the Piano Guys – a group comprised of a cellist and one pianist. Their music is a mix of modern with classical and is truly inspirational. This may sound strange and completely out of season, but I was struck listening to their version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Its message resonated with me so profoundly.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appears
What have we just experienced this Lenten season but our own ransom, our own rescue from the knots of sin which bind us? This song, heard during a time of earnest anticipation, resounds with joy anew at Easter. The Son of God did appear and with His life won our ransom. My sisters and brothers, we have been saved! We have been freed from all that bars us from a loving relationship with God and with each other.
Jesus Christ is Risen today…
who endured the cross and grave…
sinners to redeem and save
So roll away the stone; allow the light of the Resurrection in; strive to be worthy of the liberation so hard won. “We are witnesses of all that he did,” Peter recounts in Acts. Now it is our turn; we are His witnesses. Christ’s mercy and forgiveness did not stop at the Cross where our salvation was secured, but continues today.
May the Risen Christ bless you this Easter and may we look always to Jesus and His Blessed Mother to undo the knots of our hearts.
~Fr. Posey