April 9, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

    This acclamation bears more than a few words of joy.  It proclaims an entirely new reality for the human race.  Prior to our Savior’s Resurrection the peoples of the world had various and ambiguous notions of an afterlife, none of which fulfilled the longings of the human spirit.  Jesus Christ conquered all these erroneous concepts and revealed to us the true nature of what life after death means.  We return to the Father Who made us. Just like the prodigal son we are embraced in love and brought to our ultimate destiny which is the Beatific Vision.

     This vision is not at all static but rather a life that perpetually unfolds in the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.   There is an incorrect understanding among many of what they think eternal life is.  Some envision it as a magnification of the “things” we enjoy in this world.  The things of this world are limited and always will be.  They will not satisfy for all eternity.  What awaits the redeemed and those who will rise in righteousness is a life beyond our imagination.  And our Risen Lord has given us a glimpse of what that life will be. 

     Easter is that glorious time to contemplate the future of each and every one of us.  That is why, with God’s grace, we are able to endure the hardships of this life, cling to hope and be undeterred by the fear of death.  Christ has conquered and has prepared a place for us in His Kingdom.  Let us pray earnestly for those who do not realize this.  May they come to the Risen Lord.

A Blessed Easter to all,

Father Langan