Easter message from Bishop Donald J. Hying
The Resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith and the fulcrum of human history, upon which our lives pivot and turn. Because of Easter, we have the promise of eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins. This past year has been tremendously difficult, with the suffering and fear of the pandemic, the violence in our country, the turmoil of the election, the isolation and hopelessness many have felt.
Like the Apostles in the wake of the Crucifixion, we may be tempted to lock ourselves in a room somewhere, hide in fear and despair, and live as if Jesus is dead. In the middle of our sadness, the risen Christ stands, wishing us peace, breathing the Holy Spirit upon us, and sending us forth as witnesses of this new life!
Our Go Make Disciples evangelizing initiative is the diocesan effort to summon the vast energies of our leaders and faithful to share the Good News of a world redeemed by the death and Resurrection of Christ. So many people live as if God is irrelevant, Christ never came out of the tomb, and life is simply a materialist exercise of futility.
Ponder the zeal of those first followers of Jesus who, once they had experienced the risen Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, wanted to tell everyone they met about this man who they had come to know as Lord and Messiah, indeed as the Son of God!
I pray that you may experience the power, love, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ in a new and deeper way this Easter! Give Him your sufferings, worries, sins, and wounds. Show Him your heart and invite Jesus to enter more fully into your life. Tell Him of your love and gratitude, knowing that you have been saved from eternal death by the Precious Blood of Christ. Pray for the success of our evangelizing efforts and for the people in your life who still need to hear the Gospel and build a living relationship with God.
Christ indeed has been raised and we move and live in a world redeemed!
+Donald J. Hying
Bishop of Madison
The Women at the Empty Tomb is depicted in this image at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Blue Earth, Minn. (CNS photo/Gene Plaisted, Crosiers)
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