But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’
The Resurrection by Carl Heinrich Bloch |
The general structure of the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation provides us with the answer. We begin Confession with a feeling of true contrition, followed by the declaration of our sins to the priest, absolution, penance, and finally amendment of life. It is this last piece that is the Christian response to the message, "Alleluia, Christ is risen." When we answer, "the Lord is risen, indeed. Alleluia," what we are really doing is assenting to the invitation to embrace a life of greater holiness. After repenting in Lent, we agree to amend our lives in Easter.
Easter joy leads to a new life focused, not on repenting for past sins and transgressions, but actively seeking to start again with a holy and healthy way of life. Easter holiness may entail returning to regular recitation of the Daily Office or attendance at Mass on Sunday, periodic Confession or work with a spiritual director, practicing patience and generosity, daily exercise and healthy eating. When these become our everyday rule of life, rather than a seasonal exception to the rule, we proclaim the truth of the Resurrection and live into the promise of new life that Jesus opened up for us.
With Paschal Joy,
Ethan +
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