Easter Sunday

by Tom Clancy

Jn 20:1-9

Tradition tells us that St Patrick lit the Easter fire on Slane, so highlighting for the pagan royalty at nearby Tara the central importance of the Easter mystery in the Christian faith. This faith was evoking a widespread and enriching response throughout the country even in Patrick's own lifetime.

Standing on Slane I reflected on how that faith has waxed and waned again and again throughout the centuries, spreading worldwide from this little island on the periphery of Europe. I wondered would Patrick see us now as an Easter people filled with joy in the Risen Lord and empowered by his spirit to live out the gospel.

Fire is both a powerful reality and an inspiring symbol. As well as being a source of light and heat, it refines and tests gold. It enflames what it touches, Even dying embers when brought together can release new flames, radiant with power and energy. Fire as a symbol of our faith challenges us to live as joyful apostles of the Risen Jesus, believing in his love and enabling his presence to transform our world.

This fire of faith must refine our values and test our lifestyles. It must inspire all those whose lives we touch and the society in which we live. The Easter candle is a symbol of the Risen Lord, the source of all our courage, hope and love. But we must not reduce the energizing flame of faith to the flickering flame of a simple candle. Easter is a time to fan the flame of faith into an inferno that will bum away all fear and selfishness and enflame all hearts with love. Such is the vision. Easter people will not settle for less.

(From Living the Word, p. 167. Copyright 1996 by Tom Clancy. The Columba Press, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission. This book is available through the <i><strong><a href="/catalog/homilies.html">Homiletic Resource Center</i></strong></a> at a discount. Your patronage will help to keep this page as a free resource.)