Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis,
I offer to you my deepest greetings of joy and peace on the Solemnity of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Happy Easter!
Easter is to the Church year what Sunday is to each week – a highlight of rest and rejoicing. Its vivid symbols of fire, water and exultant song remind us that Christ has overcome sin and death. Because of that we know, in the words of Pope Francis, that when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved by God.
Let us pray that the light of Christ will shine in our hearts this Easter, and reach out to others through us. We know that our Savior lives. Let us share with others the joy of knowing that they are loved by God!
I ask that you keep in mind that the collection for Regina Cleri, the residence for our retired priests, is today. You know how generously the retired priests served you, and how you counted on them. Now, in turn, they count on you, and are grateful for your generous support and prayers.
I pray these are days of blessing for you and your loved ones.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop of St. Louis
Brennan Manning, in his book: Reflections for Ragamuffins, writes this little pearl of wisdom.
“Christ is Risen, alleluia! He is the Lord of the dance, the dance of the living. He is the Lord of laughter; our laughter is the echo of His risen life within us. He is the risen Lord of glory, who in sovereign authority can say: Blessed are you who laugh now, because you can bring the joy of Easter to others. But blessed are you only if you can laugh at yourselves, if you don’t take yourselves too seriously, if human living does not revolve around you and your needs. Only if you can take delight in all of my Father’s creation – in sun and surf, in snow and star, in blue marlin and in robin redbreast, in Cezanne and veal scallopini, in the love of a man or a woman, and in the presence of the living God within you. Only if your laughter means that you have let go in reckless confidence all that shackles you to yesterday, imprisons you in your small self today and frightens you with the uncertainty of tomorrow. Blessed are you who laugh, because you are free.”
May you know the joy and laughter of the risen Christ this Easter day. – Fr. Bill