…The disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.
Jesus came and stood among them and said: “Peace be with you!”
He showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said: “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”.
And with that he breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit…” (John 20:19-22)
Dear Sisters and Lay Mission Partners,
Jesus is Risen, Alleluia!
What a joy for all of us to celebrate and to announce this good news of hope and peace! What a joy for us to send you our greetings for this great feast of our Christian faith!
The text above brings a special message to us, at this time, in our world and our Congregation.
The disciples were filled with fear and uncertainty about their future and sensed the atmosphere of violence around them. Jesus appeared to them bringing a message of peace. We can imagine how hard it was for them to believe, to overcome their distress and to open their hearts to this new reality. Jesus had to show his wounds. Then, their eyes and hearts were opened and they were overjoyed!
How is the celebration of the Easter Mystery opening our eyes and hearts to discover the presence of the Risen Christ in the wounds of our world today?
Repeating the greeting of peace, Jesus breathed on the disciples, giving them the Holy Spirit…from that experience we know what happened. The frightened and small community of disciples became bold and had the courage to proclaim the Risen Christ openly and bring this good news to the world.
Like the disciples, we are called to move from our fears and uncertainty and to be “energized by the Spirit, to risk together for mission”.
As we journey towards the Congregational Chapter, what changes are needed in our lives to risk creating new ways for our mission today?
Contemplating the reality of our world, “we ask the Risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace. Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for the entire world”, especially for those who are facing persecution, displacement, and loss of their beloved ones (Pope Francis, 2013 Easter Message).
As we celebrate Easter, let us bring a message of peace and reconciliation to our families, communities, and to all who participate in our ministries.
With love and union in our Risen Lord
Congregation Leadership Team
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