Happy Easter!

Easter is what it is all about in the Christian faith. Christmas is the beginning of the great story, as is the birth of any child. Birth brings unknown hope and life yet to unfold into fruition. Easter has seen the true life of Jesus from infancy, as he lived as part of a family with Mary and Joseph, preparing him to go through the very challenging mission of sharing the message of the Kingdom of God to ultimately arrive at resurrection after horrendous suffering.

Jesus, as God made man, gave the example of how to live life fully with all the normal complexities and challenges of relationships, the opportunities to reach out to others in friendship and healing and the resilience to make even the most awful circumstances matter and have a hopeful outcome. Life is certainly full of peaks and lows for everyone and for those with Christian faith, we gain hope from the triumph of Jesus in the resurrection. We all know we will rise out of whatever challenges arrive in our path, even though that can be very difficult at many times.

Hope is the great gift of Easter! Hope that good will triumph when the right thing is done in any situation! Hope that we can make a difference! Hope that we will be united with God through the sharing in the Easter resurrection when the end of our lives comes. Hope that we will arrive at the end of each day with peace in our hearts!

The wonderful cycle of nature reflects hope as we hear the birds chirping in the early mornings as they go about their business of building or reinforcing nests ready to home new life again. The buds are bursting out of the trees at speed and beautiful blossoms line our roads and motorways as we travel. The bright mornings and evenings beckon us out of the snugness of our homes to have more opportunity to encounter one another and move our limbs into a greater state of health.

Happy Easter to all readers. May we each experience a deep sense of hope this season and may we be living hope for anyone whom we encounter. We can each make a difference, even if it is only through a smile or acknowledgement of someone. May the peace of Christ fill the hearts of each one this season. May we break open many Easter eggs in good company!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes