Chrystus Zmartwychwstał
Prawdziwie zmartwychwstał!

Christ is risen
Truly He is risen! Alleluia

My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

Welcome this Easter morning. Welcome to this parish church. Welcome to the joy of the Resurrected Christ.

What I’ve always loved about Easter is the actuality of it all.

Today, and for the next fifty days, we will read the Gospel stories of the resurrected Christ, His disciples, and the women who accompanied them. We will travel with them in the light of hope, the hope of everlasting life.

In the readings we will hear of the joy and unity of the early Church. We will hear of a band of believers who are of one accord, even in the face of persecution and difficult questions.

Who among us cannot connect with the followers of Jesus?

Who among us cannot connect with Mary of Magdala, finding the empty tomb, shocked and dismayed, running off to tell Peter and the other disciples. Later, finding a gardener, and then having her eyes opened, realizing it is Jesus.

Who among us cannot connect with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus? Finally realizing that their hearts were on fire with God’s love because it was Jesus they were conversing with. They knew Him in the breaking of the bread.

Who among us cannot connect with Thomas, doubting Jesus had appeared, looking for proof, and finding it in the marks of the crucifixion.

And there’s Peter, who along with the other disciples enjoys a picnic with Jesus along the seashore. Peter will hear Jesus ask him, —Do you love me Peter?— Peter gets his opportunity to undo his denial, and shows his love.

In the Acts we hear Peter preaching to the street.

—You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.”

We will hear of the Church’s growth, 5,000 were added that day. We will hear of imprisonments, healings, and narrow escapes. Deacons will be created, and the people will be of one accord, turning over all they have for the mission of the Church. The poor will be fed, widows and orphans will be cared for, and the liars and unbelievers will fall victim to their lack of faith. Judas will be replaced in prayer and the drawing of lots.

We connect to all this. We feel as if we were there. It is all so real.

Brothers and sisters,

It is.

Christ is risen
Truly He is risen! Alleluia