THE PROMISE OF EASTER
–“ THAT ALL MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE.”
(John 10:10)
By Sister Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
At Easter time we
celebrate the Paschal Mystery and give thanks for the super-abundance of God’s
live. It is a time to live with deep gratitude for the salvation and new life
offered to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Following the path of
Resurrection is not a guarantee that we will never have life challenges. What it
does mean is that we will never have to face the challenges alone. The Promise
of Life that is offered to each of us, calls us to examine our approach to
life. In many ways our society has made great advances in science, medicine,
technology and other fields. At this Easter season, we are invited to tap into a
far greater power, the power of God’s Spirit always available to us. If we fail
to do this, we deny ourselves access to life’s deeper meaning and purpose, in
our own lives and in our relationship with the human family, those close to us
and those far away from us.
During this Easter
season, we are invited to take a deeper look at our life journey and reflect on
the promise of God’s life in abundance. How does it affect us individually and
communally, and also the world beyond us? We pray the prayer of Jesus calling us
to live in harmony and peace, forgiveness, justice and love. We face many
daunting challenges today in the world around us – often marred by wars,
conflict, economic woes and neglect of every kind. Many of the movements we hear
about are not working in the best interests of the human family.
We need a new vision, a
new way of being and doing that is life-giving and guided by justice, peace and
love. We all need to be reminded that our own personal agenda is not of greatest
importance. We are challenged to live and act in the power of the Risen Lord and
to choose hope, life and wellness for ourselves and for generations still to
come. Then we can help bring God’s truth and healing love to many people. Each
one of us is asked to be a credible witness to the power of the risen Lord,
believing in the promise that “God’s power working in us can do infinitely more
than we dare ask or imagine” This is a good time to think about what is the
abundant life that the Risen Lord is offering us. It certainly does not mean an
abundance of worldly goods. It is an abundance of deep faith and courage. Each
day is a gift given us by God. It is a time freely given to “praise, to bless
and to preach, by the witness of our lives.”
In addition we have the
promise of eternal life to be with our God for all eternity. Using these gifts
given us, it will deepen our relationship with God and we will be assured that
we are living abundantly, no matter what the circumstances of our lives happen
to be
Like the early apostles,
we pray for the peace of Jesus’ presence Eastering into radiant life. This will
enable us to light our world with hope. We can sing an Exultet to every dark
tomb that appears around us and announce the resurrection of Jesus. We think of
the people all over the world who lack hope and life and a means to survive. We
pray and work to remove the stones that prevent or destroy life for so many. We
can help make tyranny tremble, the tyranny of war and violence, hunger and
disease, and make fearful hearts feel the redeeming presence of the living God.
This year as we
celebrate The Year of Faith, we pray to awaken our own and the faith of
believing people everywhere, and allow it to cast an Easter glow on all the
earth. May we stand strong in our faith and reach out with courage and hope to
bring God’s redeeming love to our broken world. Like Mary, may we stand firm and
steadfast in our ministry of bringing God’s healing touch to those most in need.
God of life and hope, fill us and all people with the abundance of your love.
Share a time
you have had a Resurrection moment/experience and give thanks for the abundance
of God’s love.
Preaching Essay Archive
Just click on an Essay title below to read it.
(The latest submissions are listed first.)
• Preaching Mark 2023 • • Preaching Mark 2022 • • PREACHING MATTHEW • • Even the Hymns Preach • • PREACHING IN THE BLACK CHURCH • • A PRIMER ON THEOLOGICAL THINKING • • Advent 2018 • • Preaching Luke • • The Journey Through Lent • • A New Year - A Time To Choose • • Called To Continue Our Journey As Peacemakers • • CALLED TO NAME • • CHOOSING HOPE IN TIMES OF DARKNESS AND CHALLENGE • • Easter: A Call To Renew Our Faith • • Fan Into Flame • • Grieving Our Losses • • IMAGINING A RE-EVANGELIZED CHURCH • • The Importance of Inter-Religious Sharing • • THE PROMISE OF EASTER –“ THAT ALL MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE.” • • Are We Living In Pentecost Times? • • Living With Gratitude and Hope • • “Lumen Fidei” – the Call and the Challenge • • What is the "New Evangelization"? • • Pentecost • • PRAYER OF PREACHERS • • Inculturated Liturgy Challenges Preaching to Flower • • Preaching Lent - Year C • • Reflection - Psalm 127 • • Reaching Youth Today • • The Need To Reclaim And Live With Moral Courage • • The Sacred Triduum • • STRENGTHEN OUR HOPE TO REPAIR A BROKEN WORLD • • Welcoming the Stranger • • Working for Peace •
Blessings on your preaching.
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