by Rev. Herbert Nichols

Today, we celebrate the most important event in human history; the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from the tomb. Granted that not all peoples of other religions share our faith in Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact not even all Christians share that belief.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel renowned preacher and psychologist often tells the incident from his own life experience some 50 years ago when after celebrating the Vigil service with the Friars, and participating in a midnight Liturgy with the Russian Orthodox; when most would be ready to go to bed, he then went to the sunrise service with the ecumenical clergy.

The minister, after reading the gospel said: It is not important that Jesus rose bodily from the tomb. It is not important that his disciples ever saw or ate with Him. It is not important that we believe he saved us from our sins...It is not important.

What is important? These disciples, who abandoned and betrayed their Master, were locked in a room in hiding with deep burdened guilt and shame. When the news was first brought to them of an empty tomb, they thought that some one had stolen the corpse, or perhaps, that wild dogs had devoured it. When they later saw for themselves the presence of the Lord, they were still confused enough to believe it was a ghost.

When Jesus asked them for something to eat, although he had come through closed and locked doors, they began to open their eyes and hearts. When he offered them unconditional peace and forgiveness their hearts were open to recognize and accept Him. Still it would take several more weeks before the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit would manifest a drastic transformation in these men that nothing on earth can explain.

As St. Paul would explain: Perhaps one might be convinced to give even his life for the sake of a just man in return for some great favor. But could one be convinced to give their life for something in which they no longer believed. Or would one offer their life in testimony against something they knew was an outright hoax or lie. Yes, Jesus either is who he says he is or he is not. He either is the truth that sets us free or a very clever liar.

Like those eleven apostles and countless millions who have followed them, each and every one of must choose whether we want to enter into this new life of faith and holiness, which is not so much about rules and regulations as about living the life of God which is grounded in reality. It reassures us that only God is God.

Two results of holiness are serenity and joy. A peace in spite of all the chaos that surrounds us despite whatever difficulties: social, financial, maniacal road rage, a joy that is independent of circumstances because it blossoms not from what happens but from a knowledge of who I am, and How I am in relation to the Divine I Am.

In so far as we are able to keep this focus, of bearing in ourselves the inalienable image of God who is unconditional love and mercy. These are words that Jesus addressed not to kings, philosophers, or presidents, but ordinary people like you and I. Though our hands may itch to pay back, there is no payback in Jesus’ vocabulary. To exact an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth is not his standard. Jesus does not keep ledgers. His business is one of mercy.

If we truly seek to live this relationship of serenity and joy which only grace can give, it must be lived out in the attitude and the conduct of our daily lives. St. Paul makes the warning clear: I have said this to you before, this time I say it with tears. It breaks my heart to see you so slow to believe. There are some of you, and I am talking about those who occupy their minds with earthly things, who conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ and end in disaster. As Jesus said: For some it would have been better had they never been born.

During the past weeks of Lent many have been meeting to share the pain and the hope of rising from the ashes of scandal. In the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the bishops speak about the enormous pain caused by priests who sexually abused minors, while many bishops themselves failed to protect these young people allowing secrecy to inhibit the healing process. Since news reports began appearing, shock waves have rocked the Catholic Church. Many people have strong feelings churning within them, of varying kinds and intensities: sorrowful, anguished, surprised, betrayed, relieved, indignant, depressed, angry, sad, amazed, horrified, disoriented, shaken, powerless, challenged, wondering, disbelieving, disillusioned, frustrated, and furious. Healing begins when we recognize and name the pain -- anger and confusion in our minds.

As Catholic believers in Jesus Christ we are facing a time of crisis and a challenge of confidence; but, as members of the one Mystical Body of Christ, the actions of part of the Body affect the whole Body. When one part is ailing and suffering, we all suffer.

Many on their pain will understandably ask: Which is the more grievous sin: To fail to participate in Mass or to fail to protect the young people? Without doubt we must do everything to protect the young people, but, the power of protection is enhanced by our communion with the A1mighty. To unplug or disconnect ourselves from that source of power and dignity will hardly assist us in our efforts at protection.

None of us can afford to be mere bystanders at this critical time. We are called to live in the compassionate healing manner of Jesus, to extend a supportive hand to those who are hurting, confused, or disillusioned. Perhaps the greatest responsibility for each of us is to look to our own lives and meet the challenging call to personal holiness.

Prayer is a critical component in the process of healing and forgiveness. Through prayer, our hearts are open to relationship with God and taps the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit who has the mysterious ability to bring good out of the worst of situations. Forgiveness has the power to cleanse our Church and our selves of the poisons of shame, anger, and vengeance.

As the historical sign of the risen Christ, the Church is called to be a community of both repentance and forgiveness. As responsible people we understand that forgiveness is not the same as forgetting. It is not possible to cleanse our memories of all wounds received even with the best of therapies; nor can forgiveness involve over-looking evil.

But forgiveness is rooted in the recognition that people are always more than their faults and mistakes (or even crimes). All human beings, all of us included, are a complex mix of grace and sin. Those who do harm, must be responsible, but may have other redeeming qualities. Some abusive priests may have ministered generously and effectively in parishes and hospitals. It often takes a conscious effort to see good in others. It helps to remind our selves that those who have wounded the Body of Christ are still loved by God.

As we continue to reflect and pray, we respond to God’s desire that we become whom we are meant to be. Careful attention to our daily lives reveals God’s love and plan for us. Attention to our deepest feelings and emotions open us to the power of the indwelling spirit, who moves us to Spiritual maturity and enables us to accept peace and forgiveness and repentance.

Foolishness to the unbeliever, but to us who have experienced salvation, we praise the crucified. We honor the cross; because it is the instrument by which He has saved us and the world. But we would not have been healed; we would not have been saved; for an un-crucified love is an impotent love. Un-crucified love has only feeling, but it has no desire of heart. It touches only the surface and has no power to heal.

Christ has died; Christ is risen, with a message of peace and forgiveness. We believe that when we truly receive it as a sign of our desire lo share in the healing of wounds that sin has caused. With the strength of the Eucharist and the power of Christ: through scriptures and sacrament we demonstrate love, concern, and thoughtfulness.