March 31, 2024 | Most Rev. Michael Duca | Today's Readings

"Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead." (John 20:8-9)

I have always been at a loss for how to greet people at Easter. I suppose the default greeting is “Happy Easter,” but that has always seemed too small for the wondrous feast of the Resurrection. It also seems too secular and mundane, like “Have a nice day.” 
 
The greeting that I believe is most fitting on Easter Sunday is not a greeting at all but rather the proclamation, “Christ is Risen!” and the response, “He is Risen Indeed!” This is not a passive greeting but a proclamation that invites an active response. 

Often when we advocate for the rights of the vulnerable, the abolition of the death penalty, and fair treatment of the immigrant, it can feel as if we are speaking into the darkness, at times with a worry that this darkness might overwhelm us. Be reminded that at the core of each of these advocacies is the foundation proclamation, Christ is Risen!

Christ is the Light that overcomes the darkness, and when we speak of the hope and truth of the Gospel, we are speaking Light into darkness. At times it seems that no one is listening, but their silence does not diminish the Light of Christ. This Light of truth continues to prick the conscience of those listening, and when we wonder if anything is happening, we hear someone with a changed heart cry out in faith, HE IS RISEN INDEED!

The response to our proclamation is an ecclesial moment where two or three are gathering. When someone responds, we feel the strength and support of the Body of Christ.

We cannot proclaim “Christ Is Risen,” out loud without 1.) being pulled into the mystery of our faith, 2.) giving a public witness and 3.) considering what you truly believe and how it is reflected in your life.

The challenges before the Church today are calling us to consider whether our Catholic faith is a generic title that has little influence in our lives or whether we embrace our Catholic faith so that it influences our whole lives. Give witness to your faith in your life.  Do not just hope for a Happy Easter, but rather pray for a faith that is willing to proclaim Jesus risen from the dead, out loud! 

“CHRIST IS RISEN!” And let the Church respond, “HE IS RISEN INDEED!”