Jesus is risen! Let us rejoice! Alleluia!

What can this Easter offer our poor world, broken by tragedy, injustice and suffering and caught up in the joyless worship of the unholy trinity of power, possessions and pleasure?

Easter can offer hope.

With those whose lives are filled with pain and deprivation or simply the troubles of daily existence, we can share the good news that Jesus carried his own oppressive burden and promised to help them carry theirs. We can make the message believable by the concrete comfort and assistance we offer.

To those whose lives seem an endless pursuit of self-gratification that over and over again comes up empty, we can proclaim the good, good news that it is in giving that we receive. We can make this message believable by the unpretentious generosity of our own lives.

With those who have caught a glimpse of the truth and struggle to live by it, we can offer the support and encouragement of our shared vision.

Easter may not change what happens here and now but it gives us the joy and peace of knowing the end of the story.

Jesus is risen! Let us rejoice! Alleluia!

Most Reverend John R. McGann, DD

Bishop of Rockville Centre