“Simon Peter saw and believed.” Even without seeing the risen Lord, Peter knew that something about the empty tomb was different- that the body had not been moved, as Mary Magdalene first reported.
Why is this? The answer lies in the way the burial cloths are found in the tomb. John’s Gospel says that he entered the tomb, and saw the burial cloths lying there, and the cloth that had covered Jesus’ face rolled up in a separate place. If this had been an act of “grave robbing,” it is highly likely that the cloths would not have been left behind- or if they had, the robbers certainly would not have taken care to roll up the cloth from the face of the Lord!
Jesus took care to leave even these simple signs of his resurrection for his disciples to see and understand. And even now, he still gives us signs of his presence among us. First and foremost, we find him present in the Sacraments- but we can also find signs of the grace of the Lord’s resurrection all around us: in the people we meet, and even in nature, which is currently bursting forth with new life as we enter into springtime.
As we enter this Easter season, our challenge is to allow the grace of the Risen Lord to continue to be at work in our lives, to continue to mold us and shape us into his image, and into the sons and daughters of God that he has called us all to be.
On this Easter Sunday, I want to offer special congratulations to Kyle Enman, who was Fully initiated into the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and also to Matt Lalonde, who made his Profession of Faith, and received Confirmation and Eucharist. Please join me in praying that the Lord will continue to bless their lives, and guide them to greater spiritual growth.
I also want to thank all of our staff and volunteers who have made our Easter Celebrations happen this year. Celebrating the Paschal Triduum is a major task in normal times- so to make these celebrations happen in spite of Pandemic restrictions is even more incredible!
On behalf of all of the Clergy and Staff of the Windsor Heritage Catholic Family of Parishes, i want to wish you all a Happy and Blessed Easter! May the light of Christ continue to shine on all of us throughout this most holy season.
In Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB