By Canon Philip Gillespie

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As Saint Paul says, “If Christ is not raised from the dead, then our hope is in vain.” Hence, this Solemn Feast of the Lord’s Resurrection and His promise “I am with you always” is at the very heart of our Christian faith – and, therefore, at the very heart of our Christian worship. 

At the Vigil of Easter, we proclaimed that “all times and all ages belong to Him” and the living out of that each and every day is the privilege of our lives as Christians. What does it mean to proclaim the Resurrection? It translates in our daily living as an attentiveness to the ‘green shoots’ of hope, which can be all the more elusive in our fractured and increasingly violent world. It translates as actively seeking the good in our choices, in our thoughts, words, and deeds every day, and working with ‘all people of goodwill’ to enhance our societies and communities and families.

The collaboration in the work of our parishes and the outreach which we have through teaching and caring is also a practical and active application of our faith in the Resurrection; the Lord has promised to be with us at all times and in all circumstances, and so we not only place our confidence in that promise but also allow that confidence to give us strength and purpose in our Christian living.

Perhaps the next time we join together for Mass and hear the words in the Eucharistic Prayer that we should give thanks and put into action our Resurrection faith “always and everywhere”, that can be food for thought… and an examination of conscience.

Finally, I hope you enjoy the 50 days of the Easter season.