Easter 2022
Easter 2022 “What Unites Us Is More than What Divides Us”
We live in a very precarious moment in the history of the world. A war is raging that may lead to nuclear confrontation. If ever there was a time to turn to God to pray this, is it. But people seem oblivious. We have an opportunity to join our voices in a common cry to God.
On this weekend we have a rare occurrence. The three great western religions all celebrate the holiest times on their calendar at the same time. The times for these observances shift from year to year so it is most often like stars that never align. But it happens this year. Muslims are in the midst of Ramadan, a month of intense prayer, fasting, self-reflection. People of Jewish faith commemorate the Feast of Passover this weekend. Jewish families gather for a common meal that recalls the liberation of the People of Israel from slavery in Egypt. We read about the beginnings of this feast during the Easter Vigil. Finally, Christians remember this weekend the events of Easter. Jesus, we believe, conquered the grave.
The coincidence that these three observances have fallen at the same time might be sign for us. We are reminded of the common beliefs of the major religions of the world. We often refer to Adam and Eve as the first parents. But really our first parents as far as our faith is concerned are Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah entered a covenant with God in the Book of Genesis that Jews, Christians and Muslims all recognize. Each faith tradition remembers that they have been chosen to be God’s people through the Abrahamic covenant.
Through the centuries despite our common heritage, Christians have oppressed Jews. Muslims and Jews have fought with each other. Christians and Muslims have warred as well. We can say there has been constant tension between the three great religions. But this year there are many concerns that threaten all of us. Why is our heritage so important? What do we as Christians remember this Sunday? When Mary Magdalene came to the tomb, she asked the question that is pertinent to us today. She asked the angel, “Where have you laid him?” Jesus was missing, but she didn’t understand. We could ask whether we know where Jesus is today. Is Jesus missing in our lives? Where have we put him? What do we remember today? Does our faith have something to say to the world? As Christians we say that we believe two things. The first is Jesus is alive. We do not recall a person who lived two thousand years ago. We remember our God who is in our life right now. Jesus is alive. He walks with us. Do we walk with him?
The second thing we commemorate is Jesus’ victory over the corrupt forces of this world. Worldly powers put him to death believing that they could silence his voice, but they couldn’t. His resurrection meant that his message will always be remembered. He taught us that might doesn’t make right, but love does conquer all. Christians believe the Kingdom of Jesus will prevail. At times it seems like Jesus’ message will disappear, but if it dies in one place it rises in another. Jesus lives. He won’t go away. His victory lasts for all eternity.
Sister Margaret Guider wrote a reflection as she thought about what this year might mean to Jews, Christians and Muslims. She said:
“Many of us, throughout the year,
Breathe through our mouths,
While holding our noses.
In doing so we defend ourselves from
the suffocating air of
bondage, hatred and violence
that surround us.
However, in doing so,
we also close ourselves off
from any opportunity of
smelling the scents of
justice, hope and compassion
that arouse conscience,
giving rise to courage, resiliency.
Perhaps these holy days
will provide us with an opportunity to
open ourselves to be moved
Christians, East and West,
Muslims, Shia and Sunni,
and Jews Orthodox and Reformed,
to breath in
the scents of the sacred-of freedom,
love and peace,
that we are called to breath out-
Not only on special days,
But every day.”
Our faith is our salvation. May we never take it for granted.
Reflection Questions:
- Is Jesus alive for me? If not, why not?
- Have I ever thought about the connection between the three great Western religions? Could that connection end the war that it is currently raging?
Dear Parishioners,
Recently, we had the Birdies for Charity brochures placed in our bulletins. This is a unique way to help our parish in its fundraising efforts. If a parishioner donates, their donation will be supplemented by John Deere.
Extra fund raisers are important this year because there are increased costs to our parish budget due to inflation. Our heating costs this winter went up significantly. Please help us by keeping your offertory commitment.
I would remind people to pray for our parish confirmands today. Bishop Tylka will be here to confirm them on Sunday the 24th at 1 p.m. This is a significant day on our yearly calendar, and we are glad to have the bishop with us.
Finally, I would remind people that there are job openings at Alleman that we need to fill. We need administrative positions in development and recruitment. These are essential positions. If you or someone you know would be qualified, please give Alleman a call. Two weeks ago, the strategic plan was completed. I was involved in the process. A good document was produced. Now we need to implement it.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for our troubled world.
Fr. Mark