by Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, D.D.
1) The empty tomb presents three challenges for our FAITH:
(a) BELIEVE that Jesus makes all things well and we need no proof for the love he has offered us,
(b) TRUST that Jesus makes us triumph over death and sin, and
(c) PROCLAIM the joy of the Gospel, that Jesus will make us rise when we fall, that his resurrection is our hope in eternal life;
2) The renewal of our baptismal promises is our commitment to turn away from sin and our deep faith in the Triune God and the Church;
3) A final thought: "There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even am id the greatest distress..." (EG # 6)
Advice to preachers: Preach an Easter homily that will inspire and give hope to your listeners.
1) The empty tomb presents three challenges for our FAITH:
(a) BELIEVE that Jesus makes all things well and we need no proof for the love he has offered us,
(b) TRUST that Jesus makes us triumph over death and sin, and
(c) PROCLAIM the joy of the Gospel, that Jesus will make us rise when we fall, that his resurrection is our hope in eternal life;
2) The renewal of our baptismal promises is our commitment to turn away from sin and our deep faith in the Triune God and the Church;
3) A final thought: "There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even am id the greatest distress..." (EG # 6)
Advice to preachers: Preach an Easter homily that will inspire and give hope to your listeners.
Comments