What’s the source of Easter energy? When Cardinal Keeler said daily Mass in the mornings at the Basilica, he would say that “we are treated to the book of Acts during Easter.” This was a “treat” to read in place of the Old Testament readings because we get to see the resurrection power exhibited by Peter and the other disciples.
Peter addresses the same kind of hostile crowd that made him cower with fear before the crucifixion. He now speaks boldly about Jesus, saying,
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
The threat of persecution for preaching Christ was still there, but the power of the resurrection is far greater. No matter what happens, Peter knew that nothing would take Christ from him. He also knew that the presence of Christ would go forth from him. The light of Christ would penetrate the darkness first.
This is the same promise that prevails for your and me. If you step out in Christ, the goodness of God will have it’s effect before any threat can reach you. And in the end, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ.
In Him,Fr. Scharbach
AN DAILY EASTER PROCLAMATIONDuring the Easter season, we begin Morning Prayer with the Pascha Nostrum–the title is Latin for “Our Passover,” and the text consists of the words of several verses of Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:7–8, Romans 6:9–11, and 1 Corinthians 15:20–22. Recite it each day to cultivate and carry forward Easter joy:
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrifice for us:therefore let us keep the feast. Not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness:But with the unleavened read of sincerity and truth. Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more:death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once:but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin:but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ is risen from the dead:and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death:by man came also the resurrection of the dead.For as in Adam all die:even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
CULTIVATING COURAGE IN CHRISTI received a number of requests to make available a summary of “Cultivating Courage” and the Guide to a Grace-filled Start. It’s a framework for activating resurrection grace each day. You can view it through Iconologoshere.