THE CRUCIFIED HAS RISEN AND HE IS LORD

EASTER SUNDAY - Colossians 3:1-4

Easter is always a celebration of life, of salvation, of victory and of resurrection, and this year is even more so, as we realise that this victory of life comes from the merciful love of God, revealed to us in Jesus Christ.

Before the account of the Last Supper, John tells us that 

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (Jn 13:1)

This love comes from the Father, who “so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16).

In his great love, Jesus carried the weight of our sins, being crushed by them. He died on the cross for us, being faithful up to the end.

“Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

 so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

 and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11)

The logo of this year of the Jubilee of Mercy expresses well what we are celebrating.

We can see the Crucified 

who has risen from the dead 

and is crowned with glory. 

He is the Good Shepherd

carrying the sick and wounded

on his shoulders with love.

He brings us out of darkness

into the light of his glory.

With him, we rise from the dead

and being one with him,

we become like him.

We are a new creation,

with the glory of God

shining on our faces,

the glory of God’s merciful love.

With this love in our hearts,

we can cooperate in the transformation of the world.

May you be filled with the joy of the resurrection

and the blessings of the Risen Lord.

Happy Easter.

Fr. José

**

THE  LAMB

(a poem of William Blake)

Little Lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee? 

Gave thee life, and bid thee feed, 

By the stream and o'er the mead; 

Gave thee clothing of delight; 

Softest clothing, wooly, bright; 

Gave thee such a tender voice, 

Making all the vales rejoice;

Little Lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee: 

He is called by thy name, 

For He calls Himself a Lamb. 

He is meek, and He is mild; 

He became a little child. 

I a child, and thou a lamb, 

We are called by His name.

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Little Lamb, God bless thee!