LATINO ARCHIVES
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March 21, 2008
‘He is risen. Alleluia!’
He is risen as he said! Alleluia!
Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was constantly challenged by skeptics who disbelieved in his identity. They were never convinced nor satisfied. Whatever signs he worked, they wanted more. They even accused him of having power that came from the devil.
Even his own disciples did not understand and fully believe who he was and what he came to accomplish. To the skeptics and critics who demanded a sign he said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”
Even his disciples tried to question his decision to go to Jerusalem when he said he must go so the Son of Man could be betrayed, convicted, crucified and buried so that in three days he could rise again.
For the disciples, Jerusalem was perceived as the end of their dreams and hopes and not the beginning of his victory over sin and death. Even his disciples did not fully understand or believe he was truly the Lamb of God sent by the will of his Father to be the sacrificial victim of the new covenant.
For we who do believe he is indeed the Son of God come to purchase our salvation by the price of his blood, Easter is indeed the day the Lord has made and gladly we rejoice in it. It is his Resurrection from the dead that guarantees even if we die, we too shall rise again with him.
It is right and fitting that we rejoice on Easter Day, the greatest feast of our liturgical year for this is the day that gives meaning and sense to all of our Sunday celebrations.
As the beautiful Easter Proclamation that is sung at the Easter Vigil says, “This is our Passover feast, when Christ, the true lamb is slain, whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers . . . this is the night when Christians everywhere, washed clean of sin and freed from all defilement, are restored to grace and grow together in holiness. This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave. What good would life have been to us had Christ not come as our Redeemer?”
Celebrating and rejoicing in the Easter Mystery is necessary if we really believe in Jesus for it is his resurrection that verifies his identity as the Christ, the Lamb of God. Had he only died and not risen then our belief would be only in a Jesus who was crucified.
Such a belief would make us the most foolish of all men as St. Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor 15:17-18)
As we celebrate the joy of this Easter victory, may the blessings of the resurrected Christ be yours and your families today and all the days of your lives.
May we always be an Easter people, willing to die to self and sin so we can rise with Christ.
May we this Easter proclaim the same words spoken to Mary by the Angel as she approached the empty tomb: “He is risen as he said! Alleluia!” (Mt 28:6)
– Bishop Joseph N. Latino
12/21/07
‘O come all ye faithful’
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
These are the lyrics of a well known and well loved Christmas carol. Once upon a time this carol, along with displays of cribs and statues and decorations proclaiming Christmas time and the Christmas seasons and exchanges of Merry Christmas greetings, were welcomed and expected generally by everyone.
Today however, we live in a society that is directed by the attitude which rejects everything that is politically incorrect. Under the pretext of not wanting to offend anyone, certain symbols are no longer allowed or acceptable in public places. Traditional and familiar greetings identifying the season and the reason for all the cards, good wishes, the exchanging of gifts, visiting of friends and families are now reduced to simply wishing a “happy season” to those we meet.
Christmas, however, is not just a “happy season” time. It is the celebration of a particular birth – the birth of Christ the Messiah, the eternal Son of God. It is not just a time limited to tinsel, colored lights and good meaningless feelings and secular reasons to party.
How tragic it is that today we are living in a very vocal society that would strip us of our faith, our beliefs and our traditions. It seems to me that one who does not believe what I believe is free to choose not to believe. However, it is not true, or just, to refuse or deny me my right to believe. I refuse to accept the idea that my religious practices should be relinquished simply to avoid offending anyone; just as surely as I believe that I should not be offended by another’s faith or lack of faith.
We who choose to believe, celebrate the birth of one who came into a world that was sadly oblivious of his presence. He was recognized only by a few and shortly after his birth, he was sought by someone who tried to destroy him.
Sadly it seems to me our society today would prefer us to also be oblivious of his presence. It seems our society wishes to obliterate his name or anything and everything that suggests or refers to him, even to the absurdity of changing the name of a tree from “Christ-mass” to simply festival tree.
May we who boast and claim the name “Christ”-ian, always profess the reason we celebrate and never deny or accept any other reason.
We wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and may you and your families be worthy recipients of the Child Jesus’ greatest blessings. May we who believe and practice our beliefs, regardless of those who do not nor want to believe, be the ones who eagerly and faithfully respond to the invitation: O come all ye faithful!
12/14/07
Survey shows our concerns, bishop says
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
In November all of our parishes were sent surveys for parishioners to complete involving their concerns on current social issues. The survey was designed by the diocesan Poverty Task Force and will help us develop an advocacy strategy for the 2008 legislative session.
According to the task force, your response to the survey was overwhelming. I truly would like to thank all of you who participated and made the survey such a success. Your thoughts and views are important in creating a sense of where the needs are in each area of the diocese.
The results of the surveys show the great commitment we as Catholics have to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the church. This was evidenced in responses citing as important issues related to the dignity of human life, education, and health care.
The task force in conjunction with the Parish Social Ministry Office at Catholic Charities will now be able to better monitor proposed legislation and make these concerns known to elected officials. Surely your participation in the survey has assisted greatly in our efforts as a church to address issues that affect the lives of all in Mississippi.
As Catholic Christians we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to be a voice for the voiceless, to work for justice for those who are poor and marginalized and to reflect God’s mercy to all.
In St. Luke’s Gospel (4: 16-21), Jesus reads from Isaiah, the great prophet of Advent, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free….” Jesus goes on to proclaim “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
As the season of Advent continues, I suggest we all read prayerfully that chapter in St. Luke and consider how we as Christians may carry on the mission of Christ proclaimed by him in that synagogue in Nazareth so many years ago.
Our state continually ranks at the bottom of many crucial categories. As a church let us dedicate ourselves to working for the improvement of all of God’s children. An important way to do that is to be educated on issues that affect us and those around us.
In January Mississippi Catholic will be publishing its annual Legislative Preview: A Catholic Perspective. In the preview there will be more information on the issues highlighted in the survey as well as some other issues that we have been monitoring for several months now.
I hope you will take the time to read the preview and learn how you can become involved in carrying out the mission of Christ and the church by bringing the Gospel into the lives of our fellow Mississippians.”
10/19/07
Second century Mass
very close to current rite
By Bishop Joseph Latino
On Thursday evening, Oct. 4, I attended a very significant gathering here in Jackson at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road. I, along with leaders and representatives of Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities, was the guest of Mr. Sabri Agachan.
Mr. Sabri is the local representative of the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue sponsored by Muslims in Turkey. Unfortunately, the gathering and the occasion for the banquet attracted no attention from the written or visual press.
The Institute of Interfaith Dialogue (IID) is based on the belief that dialogue and mutual respect can build lasting relationships and bonds among people of various ideologies and cultures and ultimately promote peace.
The IID believes dialogue is the tool which can dispel prejudices where all others have failed. Dialogue can bring about a serenity, understanding and harmony in which all peoples of all faith convictions can live in peace.
The pursuit and growth of dialogue between all faiths is vital, especially in both educational and cultural dimensions, so that our younger generations do not become cultural or religious bigots in conflict with each other, but genuine brothers and sisters in one humanity. It is in and through sincere dialogue, regardless of our particular religious creed, we will finally come to the realization that we are all made by the one God and share in the one image of that God.
On the occasion of the end of the observance of Ramadan, ‘Id al-Fitr, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Church, issued the following statement in the document, “Promoting a Culture of Peace”:
As religious believers, it is up to us all to be educators of peace, of human rights, of a freedom which respects each person, but also ensures increasingly strong social bonds, because man must take care of his brothers and sisters without discrimination.
No individual in the national community should be excluded on the grounds of his or her race, religion or any other personal characteristics. Together, as members of different religious traditions, we are called to spread a teaching which honors all human creatures, a message of love between individuals and peoples.
With the tensions that have arisen at this time because of the extremism of some who falsely misinterpret and misuse their own creeds, it is essential at this time that there be honest and open dialogue.
Christians, Jews and Muslims and people of all faiths must work together through dialogue and mutual respect that peace and an harmonious future can be achieved. It is through honest, open dialogue that young people will find hope for their future.
Honest, open dialogue is more urgent than ever to teach younger generations of the fundamental human, moral and civic values which are necessary to both personal and community life. It is the common good of every society and of the future of the entire world which is at stake.
May what was shared by all those present at that gathering on Oct. 4 continue to develop increasingly friendly and constructive relationships among all of us. It is the common good of every society and the entire world which is at stake.
We cannot, we dare not, neglect to try what may be the last and best chance for the peace and harmony that we all individually say we long for. It is my prayer and hope, quoting from my own motto taken from the beautiful prayer Jesus prayed for us in John 17:21: “That they all may be one.”
07/20/07
Pope’s letter defines celebration of Mass in Roman Rite
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
On Saturday, July 7, Pope Benedict issued as Motu Proprio an ApostolicLetter entitled Summorum Pontificum (Of the Supreme Pontiffs). This document, which sets down norms for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Rite, is set to take effect on Sept. 14, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Much talk preceded the release of this document. Some expressed great joy, while others felt the church would be taking a step backward. Now that it is published I think we can see that the Holy Father is genuinely and sincerely concerned about the historical and spiritual continuity of our ancient liturgy and also the proper celebration of it.
In Summorum Pontificum the Holy Father addresses the hurt and confusion regarding the Missal of St. Pius V or Tridentine Mass, casually called the Latin Mass, and the fact that it is no longer in regular use even though it was never abrogated by the Second Vatican Council Fathers.
He reaches out to those communities that may have been marginalized by this fact and by some of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and ultimately left the church, for example those who followed Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
Summorum Pontificum better defines for us the Roman Rite, which is the sacred liturgy of the Western Catholic Church. The Mass and Missal of Pope Paul VI promulgated in 1970 is to be considered the ordinary form of the Roman Rite; the Mass and Missal of St. Pius V, in the edition promulgated in 1962 by Blessed John XXIII is to be considered the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite. These ordinary and extraordinary forms make the one Roman Rite.
In developing and publishing these regulatory norms, Pope Benedict has set about to deepen an appreciation for the beauty of both forms in the hopes that each form will benefit from and contribute to the other.
We must be careful, as our Holy Father explains in his letter to bishops that accompanied Summorum Pontificum, not to be guilty of thinking one form is better or more sacred than the other form.
Both forms keep the liturgical continuity of our ancient rites. Both forms are to be considered a worthy part of our tradition.
In the letter, Pope Benedict also has given me as a diocesan bishop some foundational guidelines regarding the pastoral care of the diocese and the Rite. As the diocesan bishop, I have a great responsibility to ensure that the worship of the local diocesan church is done with great reverence and respect.
In the Church’s Code of Canon Law, Canon 835 §1 states: The bishops in the first place exercise the sanctifying function; they are the high priests, the principal dispensers of the mysteries of God, and the directors, promoters, and guardians of the entire liturgical life in the church entrusted to them.
Canon 835 §2 defines the role of the priest and his relation to the bishop when it comes to liturgy: Presbyters also exercise this function; sharing in the priesthood of Christ and as his ministers under the authority of the bishop, they are consecrated to celebrate divine worship and to sanctify the people.
I hold the rites of our church in great esteem and expect them to be celebrated properly and in a way that brings unity and growth to our people. Both forms of the Roman Rite require careful study and dedication to the ancient tradition of our church.
For a priest, the extraordinary form requires knowledge of Latin – both meaning and pronunciation – and the intricate movements of this particular form. We may not be able to respond immediately to situations because of this.
Our priests have many responsibilities in covering their current assignments. As a diocese, we will try our best to meet the needs of all our faithful in a way that builds and strengthens the prayer life of the local church.
An unofficial translation of the document from the Vatican is on our diocesan website, www.jacksondiocese.org, under Current News. In the upcoming issues of Mississippi Catholic, I hope to share more with you on the continuity, history and development of our ancient liturgy.
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07/20/07
More unites us as Christians than divides us’
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
Many of you either read or saw news reports last week with headlines stating that Pope Benedict XVI had released a statement saying the only way to salvation is through the Catholic Church. These media reports were misleading and filled withmisinformation – basically false. No where in the document is the statement or any similar wording that the only way to salvation is through the Catholic Church.
I pray that any hurt or anger you may have experienced or which you might have received from non-Catholic friends and family members will be healed in a Christian compassionate way. We have contacted the media sources responsible for this and expressed our dismay and disappointment in such poorly done articles.
It is irresponsible to oversimplify and misinterpret a complex theological discussion into a short news story for an audience not always familiar with the theological language of the Catholic Church.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a document July 10, entitled “Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church.” The document clarified questions that had been the subject of theological debate for many years.
The document did not express any new doctrine or teachings. It made clear what church teaching already was concerning how the Catholic Church defines itself as the Catholic Church.
In paragraph 8 of “Lumen Gentium” (LG), the “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church” from the Second Vatican Council, the Church Fathers restate a long held definition of our Church:
This is the one Church of Christ which in the Creed is professed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic, which our Savior, after His Resurrection, commissioned Peter to shepherd, and him and the other apostles to extend and direct with authority, which He erected for all ages as “the pillar and mainstay of the truth” (1Timothy 3:15).
This Church constituted and organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him, although many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside of its visible structure.
The document from the congregation merely clarifies that the Church which Jesus established on earth “subsists in” the Catholic Church. This means the “perduring, historical continuity and the permanence of all the elements instituted by Christ in the Catholic Church, in which the Church of Christ is concretely found on this earth.”
In other words, the fullness of everything that Jesus meant for his Church to be on earth is found in the Catholic Church.
The document does not in any way attempt to denigrate other Christian denominations. The document is clarifying what the Catholic Church teaches that the Catholic Church believes to be the Church of Christ. It is a theological clarification filled with terms that if read on the surface level might indeed be perceived as harsh or offensive to non Catholic Christians.
In terms of the incorrect statement that “salvation is only through the Catholic Church,” the document basically says that because of the elements of truth and sanctification that are present in these churches and ecclesial communities they are indeed used by Christ as instruments of salvation for their members.
Apparently the media was not working from the actual document and developed an incorrect summary. This mistake has caused some most unfortunate misunderstandings by many in the community.
Cardinal Walter Kasper of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity has an excellent thought on reading this document: “A thorough reading of the text makes clear that the document does not say that the Protestant churches are not churches, but that they are not churches … in the sense in which the Catholic Church understands itself as church. For anyone even partly informed, this is purely self-evident.
“The Protestant churches do not want to be a church at all in the sense of the Catholic Church; they speak strongly of having another understanding of church and ministry in the church which, on the other hand, Catholics frankly do not consider to be the original one.
“The foundation of the dialogue is that there is more that unites us than divides us. Therefore we should not miss reading the positive statements of the declaration about the Protestant churches, namely, that Jesus Christ is effectively present within them for the salvation of their members (Unitatis redintegratio, 22).
“Therefore, the declaration is not taking back anything of the ecumenical progress already reached, but drawing attention to the ecumenical task that still lies ahead. We should be offended by these differences, and not by those who point them out. The declaration is rather an urgent invitation to an objective dialogue that will help us move ahead.”
The document from the congregation may be accessed through our diocesan website, www.jacksondiocese.org, under Current News. It is not a long document at all and a prayerful and thoughtful reading of the document in its proper context should alleviate many of the hurts that may have been felt over the past few days.
Let us remember as Cardinal Kasper so eloquently states that there is more that unites us as Christians than divides us.
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07/06/07
Second century Mass
very close to current rite
From Bishop Joseph N. Latino
The other day I was glancing through the Gulf Pine Catholic, Biloxi’s diocesan newspaper, and found Bishop Thomas Rodi’s column with a great explanation of why we celebrate the Mass the way we do today.
Bishop Rodi used St. Justin’s First Apology written around the year 155 A.D. to give a picture of the Christian liturgical celebration in the second century. St. Justin’s description of the second century celebration is very close to our current liturgical rite.
I would like to share this explanation with all of you and I thank Bishop Rodi for his insight and thoughtfulness in researching this important subject.
I hope this will help all of us as Catholics to realize what a wonderful and ancient liturgical tradition we have in the church and that decisions to modify our rites are steeped in that tradition, a tradition which goes back to the Upper Room where Jesus instituted the Eucharist with his disciples around him.
Bishop Rodi’s column follows.
Did you ever wonder how the structure of the Mass came about? The manner in which we Catholics worship God is very different than the manner in which God is worshipped in some other Christian faith communities. Where did the manner in which we Catholics celebrate Mass come from?
We know from the Gospels in the Bible that the first Mass, the Last Supper, was the celebration of the Passover Meal. At the Passover Meal, sacred Scripture is read and unleavened bread and wine are part of the meal.
At the Last Supper Jesus took the unleavened bread and wine and said “This is my body . . . This is my blood … Do this in memory of me.” The Apostles did as the Lord commanded. The reading of sacred Scripture and the consecration of the unleavened bread and wine were the central parts of the early church worship of God. St. Paul (probably around the year 57 A.D.) explained to the Corinthians how they were to worship God:
“I received from the Lord what I handed on to you, namely, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’
“In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup; you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes!” (1 Cor 11:23-26)
That the early church worshipped God in this manner is recorded in the Bible and in other sources as well. In the year 155 A.D., for example, a man named Justin wrote to the pagan Roman emperor, Antoninus Pius, asking him to stop persecuting Christians.
He explained to the emperor that, although the emperor had heard many strange things about Christians, the members of the early church were no danger to anyone.
Justin described the manner in which Christians worshipped when they gathered together. Read carefully this description of the manner in which the early church worshipped and compare it to the Sunday Mass in your parish.
You will see the Mass is celebrated in basically the same way as the early Christians celebrated their faith. Justin’s letter is in bold. I have added in parentheses the parallels to our modern Mass.
On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. (We call this day Sunday.)
The memoirs of the apostles and writing of the prophets are read, as much as time permits. (Justin refers to the “memoirs” of the apostles and “writings” of the prophets. The word “bible” would not be used for another 300 years until the Catholic Church collected all these writings into one book.)
When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things. (We call this the sermon or homily.)
Then all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves … and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments so as to obtain eternal salvation. (We call this the General Intercessions or Prayers of the Faithful)
When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss of peace. (We call this the sign of peace. It has been moved in the modern Mass to just before sharing Communion.)
Then someone brings the bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. (We call this the presentation of the gifts or the offertory procession.)
He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistan) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts. (We call this the Eucharistic Prayer, the core of which is the words of consecration.)
When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: “Amen.” (We call this the Great Amen which is at the end of each Eucharistic Prayer.)
When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those who are called deacons give to those present the “eucharisted” bread, wine and water and taken them to those who are absent. (We call this Communion. After Communion the consecrated or “eucharisted” bread is reserved in the tabernacle so it may be brought during the week to those too sick to come to Mass.)
Comparing Justin’s description of the Mass in the year 155 A.D. with our Mass today, it is obvious from where our Mass comes. The manner in which the early Christians worshipped God has come down through the generations to us today. Although different times and cultures have added some traditions to the Mass, it is basically the same and unchanged in its most essential elements.
The next time someone asks you why Catholics celebrate Mass the way we do, you can tell them that it was not something just thought up recently, but has come to us from the apostles as what Jesus, at the Last Supper, asked us to do in his memory.
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06/08/07
Look at immigration reform as just solution
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
Over the past several months the immigration issue has certainly ignited some fierce debate and kindled some deep feelings of resentment among our Catholic faithful. Indeed the immigration issue is an emotional and divisive one. The complexities of the issue evoke concern, anger and confusion for many.
Right now our national leaders are attempting to compromise on desperately needed immigration reform legislation. Some have called this legislation an “amnesty” agreement for people who have broken the laws of our country.
I would like to recommend that we pause for a moment and look at the issue from a pastoral perspective. Surely, the fact that the debate has become so heated reflects the real need for change and reform in our immigration laws. A just solution must be achieved that benefits our country and at the same time respects the fundamental human rights and dignity of all people.
The U.S. bishops in no way condone or encourage illegal immigration. Illegal immigration does not benefit the common good of our society. Because undocumented immigrants are often paid lower wages than U.S. workers, illegal immigration can drive the cost of wages down for everyone. This increases poverty among more and more people in our country.
Pastorally speaking, illegal immigration also causes individuals to live a life lacking in dignity because of constant hiding, fear and abuse of basic human rights. Our church’s social service agencies serve people from all walks of life because they are in need. We do not ask for documentation from individuals because the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love our neighbors.
The church always respects the rights of sovereign nations and their laws. The United States is a nation built on a system of laws and principles, but if a law violates human dignity and basic human rights it is not just. Our current immigration laws indeed are unjust.
The U.S. bishops support an earned legalization process that would require undocumented workers to pay a fine and work their way down a path to legalization. Earned legalization is not amnesty. There are several stipulations and eligibilities that must be met by the individual seeking it.
This position of the bishops, which is well grounded in the Gospel and in church teachings, recognizes a law has been broken and sets about a way to make amends for that in a just and humane manner.
The position of the bishops also exhibits the reality that under the current system individuals are being exploited in poor working and living conditions and families are being painfully separated.
Respect for the dignity of human life is what is at the heart of the church’s position on immigration reform. The church has always and will always speak for this fundamental universal value.
The current legislation that the Senate is debating is not perfect, but it is a necessary step forward toward overall reform. In a recent statement, Bishop Gerald Barnes, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, urged Congress to “ensure that any final legislation contains a legalization program which is workable and includes family unity and a fair and realistic path to citizenship, a new worker program which provides participants a meaningful opportunity to obtain permanent residency, and the preservation of family unity as an integral part of the U.S. immigration system.”
Another reason the church is so involved and interested in the whole immigration debate is because by nature we, ourselves, are an immigrant church. Because of our experience throughout the life of our church we are compelled to work for reform and voice the need for a system of immigration laws that benefit the entire human community.
Yes, we should be concerned about laws being broken and our national security. Societies crumble when laws are ignored and broken. We should also be concerned that the current system of immigration laws eats away at the fabric of our nation’s ideals and the fabric of humanity. It is time for a reformed system of laws that promote the human person as well as the economy.
Let us remember to put a face on this situation – the face of Jesus Christ.
The Justice Prayer
Come, O Holy Spirit!
Come, open us to the wonder, beauty,
and dignity of the diversity found in each culture, in each face,
and in each experience we have of the other among us.
Come, fill us with generosity as we are challenged to let go
and allow others to share with us the goods and beauty of earth.
Come, heal the divisions that keep us from seeing the face of Christ
in all men, women, and children.
Come, free us to stand with and for those who must leave their
own lands in order to find work, security, and welcome in a new land,
one that has enough to share.
Come, bring us understanding, inspiration, wisdom,
and the courage needed to embrace change and stay on the journey.
Come, O Holy Spirit, show us the way.
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Justice for Immigrants Campaign 202-541-3352, www.justiceforimmigrants.org)
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04/06/07
Easter mystery cause for all our celebrations
By Bishop Joseph Latino
This is the day the Lord has made. Alleluia!
Each and every Easter Season we who believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ celebrate his victory over sin and death. It is in his Resurrection that the promise of our victory over sin and death is fulfilled.
Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is not an option for Christians. It is at the very foundation of one’s belief in Jesus as savior. From the very beginning of his public ministry even his disciples were not quite sure who he was or who he claimed to be.
Many of his critics even though they witnessed first hand the miraculous signs he performed demanded bigger and better signs. Even though they saw him giving back sight to blind eyes or hearing to deaf ears or even returning life to some who had died, they still wanted a definitive and ultimate sign.
“If you are who you claim to be, give us proof.” The challenge was given, the ultimatum was made and the response was definite, “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” Jn 2:19.
Resurrection from the dead was the indisputable and definitive proof he promised to verify that he was who he claimed to be. Not only did it verify him, it was also the guarantee of the promise made to all who would believe in him. This was the life he said he came to give, “whoever believes in me even though he should lose his life will live forever.” Jn 17:33.
The Easter mystery is not only a fitting occasion to celebrate, it is the very cause for all our celebrations. It is at the very foundation of all we believe in Christ. It is the necessary event that makes our faith in Christ not in vain.
 St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says so aptly, “If Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and our faith has been in vain.” 1 Cor 15:14. So important to our faith is the resurrection of Christ, St. Paul further says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people the most to be pitied.” 1 Cor 15:17-19.
Each Easter regardless of da Vinci Codes or fake and bogus ossuaries, we like the faithful women and the Apostles Peter and John believe that he has risen and we joyfully sing, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.”
It is in the celebration of the Easter mystery that we celebrate all the promises of both the Old and the New Testament. It is in Christ’s resurrection that the Father verifies that “he was indeed the Son of God.”
As we celebrate this Easter Sunday and the whole Easter Season, may the blessings of the Risen Lord be with you and your families. May we always be an Easter people recognizing death but always celebrating life saying forever “This is the day the Lord has made. Alleluia!” |
