I recently read a story about two missionary priests who served in the Amazon rainforest. When they arrived at one of the villages, there was a teenage boy whose father had died. He was left without someone to offer him guidance and support.
After the missionaries distributed food and told the people about the Lord Jesus, the boy did not leave when all the others returned to their homes. He would stay and help with basic chores and sometimes he would guide the priests to another village. He was especially glad to do that because the priests had been teaching about Jesus who said, “Come follow me.”
This teenager felt that those words of Christ were meant for him. The priests gave him a Bible. They told him to start reading the Gospel of Matthew. He asked the priests if he could take the Bible home with him and continue reading. Of course they said yes! He read about the passion and death of Jesus.
When he returned to the mission the next day, the priests could tell that he was upset. They asked him, “Are you ok?” He looked at them and said, “He’s alive. Please tell me Jesus is really alive!? They said, “Yes, of course He’s alive, and he is with us in the Church, in the Sacred Scripture, and in the sacraments.”
The teenager had only recently heard that Good News. He wanted to know more. He wanted to know who, what, where, when, and why that is essential to the greatest story ever told. The missionaries immediately knew that this young man had opened his mind, heart and soul to the story of hope! And for those who are still not sure about all this, I encourage you to read about the importance of hope for the apostle Thomas who was not present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after his death and resurrection.
Ever since the COVID pandemic and even now, so many people are trying to recapture the direction, the purpose, or the meaning of their life. It has become a real challenge because fear of human suffering dominates the news almost every day. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the premier story of the hope that is sometimes missing. But the Good News of Easter tells us that hope can be restored through Christ! The disciples had lost hope when Jesus died on the cross, but hope was restored when they saw Jesus in a different way after his resurrection. They spoke with him, ate with him, and touched him! Jesus reassured them and restored their hope. Just ask St. Thomas who doubted!
Easter is the feast of hope, direction, purpose, meaning, and community. We’re all in this together with our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our hope! He suffered, died, and rose from the dead especially to restore hope for every one of us. Rejoice and be glad at Easter! May you know the Lord’s peace now and always.
With Prayers and blessings,
Bishop + Mark
