Easter Sunday (Cycle “C”)

Q. 730: Lent is over, now what?

A. 730: HE IS RISEN! What incredibly Good News for us! It is almost overwhelming to our intellect, to realize the unconditional love that our Savior has for each one of us. Or as St. Peter says in his profession of faith (Acts 10:34-43), God shows no partiality: He loves each and every one of us equally. Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name: how awesome is this gift of mercy and power of Faith that the Lord has given to us!

Our entire Lenten journey has led us to this point. We believe in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God, based upon the witness of St. Peter and the other apostles, preserved for us in Holy Scripture. But now each believer is called to witness to that same faith professed by Peter in our earliest “creed.” It is a mission that begins with our Baptism, the Sacrament of Christian initiation, whereby we express our faith and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then the Sacrament of Confirmation equips us for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church (CCC Glossary).

Jesus knew that Peter or any other disciple could not be formed properly if they wanted to act as a “lone ranger.” Therefore he formed his small group of twelve, and they learned together as they were taught by the Master, and supported each other on their spiritual journey.

There is our own model! Each of us needs to belong to a Small Faith Community and grow together in a committed relationship of common spiritual support. The call comes from many pronouncements from our American Bishops, from Pope John Paul II, from our own Archbishop, and many other faithful episcopal witnesses. (In my own parish, every single adult in the parish will be invited very soon to join with others in a Small Faith Community; watch for the announcements.)

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! The Son did not come to judge, but to save and to give the life he has in himself...One can condemn oneself for all eternity by rejecting the Spirit of love (CCC 679). It is an obligation to spread and defend the faith (CCC 1285).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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