Easter Joy

From the desk of Fr. Ignatius Waters, cp

Sunday, 21st April 2019

As you know, there are so many symbols of Easter – the Easter fire and water and  candle, the empty tomb, the butterfly and many more. But, according to the liturgical experts, the greatest symbol of Easter is not any of these. No, it’s the weekly gathering of believers. We are the greatest symbol of Easter when we gather together to remember the risen Lord. But Pope Benedict added another symbol that I hadn’t heard of before – Easter Laughter!  He said that in the Baroque period (1600 – 1750 approx.) the Easter homilies had to contain a story which would make people laugh, so that the church resounded with joyful laughter. And Pope Benedict thought it right that joyful laughter become yet another symbol of Easter.It was meant to remind us of the deep genuine joy that should flow from our faith and hope in the Risen Lord.

Pope Benedict also said, ‘that the cultural context where faith was largely accepted has now disappeared for many, resulting in a profound crisis of faith.’  We’re certainly aware of that, but it’s interesting that the great Thomas Aquinas said that faith comes through feelings and through a sense of wonder just as much as through head knowledge or the study of Theology. It is about that, of course, but much more, it’s about relationship with Jesus and with others. Heart contact with Jesus and others!  Faith, as you know too, is not easy for anyone – not even the greatest saints! Nor was it easy for those who saw Jesus after his resurrection. We hear in the gospel that “their joy was so great they couldn’t believe it!” And remember Thomas. He wasn’t the only one who doubted.  But his great mistake was that,“He wasn’t with the others when Jesus came.”  The others were in mourning too, but they stuck together, remembering Jesus, recalling his words, supporting one another, where as Thomas was away, drowning his sorrows alone. For us too, the people with whom we gather for prayer and Eucharist are so important. We meet Jesus in the gathering of believers, where we are nourished by his presence and his word.  And when we gather, it’s good to remember we’re simply responding to his invitation to do this in his memory.

We thank God today for the great gift of faith and hope and the joy of our faith.