21 Apr
Mon
Easter Monday
Acts 2:14,22-33
Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11
Mt. 28:8-15
(Psalter proper)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

The crucifixion of Jesus must have been a crushing blow for the followers of Jesus. They probably felt disillusioned and afraid, and perhaps they even lost their faith in what Jesus had taught and done during His ministry. But by raising Jesus from the dead, God made it abundantly clear that He was pleased with His entire life and ministry. But there is more! The resurrection of Jesus also means that there is no turning back. God's life-giving spirit is being poured out on all humanity, and Jesus is at work reconciling the entire world to Himself. God's fervent desire to redeem and transform humanity will never be thwarted by human sinfulness. God has the last word!

And just look at the effect that this resurrection has on people! Our cowardly friend Peter is now boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the Risen Lord in public. He is changed forever. The women who encounter the Risen Jesus as they run from the tomb are also transformed, for they have a sense of their worth and dignity. They are also apostles, and need not ever be confined to a second-class status.

Have we met the Risen Lord? Do will still live in fear, or do we truly know that we are loved and that God is with us? The resurrection of Jesus is something we must experience personally, for it is far more than a doctrine or belief. It is life itself. Jesus is Risen, and we share that joy!



Lord, may I experience the Risen Lord always.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That those who hold positions of responsibility in the Church may offer a shining example of a life which is always responsive to the guidance of the Spirit.
Elaboration

- END -