Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Easter, as you and I greet with joyful praise the Risen Lord Jesus, a fundamental question is being asked: “Does Jesus Christ risen from the dead make all the difference in our lives”? Our response is an enthusiastic and affirming “yes”!

We can say “yes” because we too hear again the same encouraging and hope-filled words spoken to the women at the tomb on that first Easter morning: “Do not be amazed … . He has been raised … . ” We can say “yes” because we too meet the same Jesus risen from the dead and now present to us in His Word and in the Holy Eucharist, Who keeps saying to us, “Do not be afraid, I am here with you!”

Notice that Jesus says, “Do not be afraid,” not “All will be easy and without difficulty.” The Risen Lord Jesus is telling us, “I have overcome all those things which can permanently destroy you, like sin and eternal death. Like Me, though, before coming to eternal glory, you must pass through suffering and human death. But you do not do that alone. I go before you and with you every step of the way.”

On that first Easter, those first disciples became changed persons. Their discouragement was replaced by hope. Their weaknesses, fear and sadness were replaced by strength, inner peace and joy. Jesus risen from the dead had made all the difference in their lives!

This Easter, this same Risen Lord Jesus makes all the difference in our lives too if only we let ourselves be touched by His Risen Presence in the sacred liturgy and in daily prayer and cling to His promise every day: “Do not be afraid! I remain with you always!”

May the Risen Lord Jesus bless you with His strengthening peace! I am remembering each of you in my Easter Masses and throughout the Easter Season!

Faithfully in Christ,