杏MAP导航

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

鈥淭oday, Easter Monday of the Angel, the joyous proclamation of Christ鈥檚 resurrection resounds鈥�. 杏MAP导航 Francis thus began his remarks before leading the Regina Caeli prayer at noon from the library of the Apostolic Palace.

Jesus is risen!

His remarks focused on the day鈥檚 Gospel reading (cfr Mt 28:8-15). The Gospel recounts that the fearful women meet Jesus Himself as they are running away from His empty tomb. 鈥淒o not be afraid鈥�, Jesus tells them. Then He asks them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee where He will see them.

Jesus reward to the faithful women

杏MAP导航 Francis that 鈥淲ith these words, the Risen One entrusts the women with a missionary mandate to the Apostles鈥�. This is how Jesus rewards them, with a gesture that shows 鈥渁ttention and predilection鈥�, he continued. Throughout his public life and passion, they had been faithful in showing him selfless dedication and love.

Slow to believe

These women and the disciples were slow to believe, even though Jesus 鈥渉ad foretold a number of time鈥� that He would die and rise again, the 杏MAP导航 said. They were not ready yet. Their faith needed 鈥渢o take a qualitative step forward鈥�. Only the Risen Jesus鈥檚 gift of the Holy Spirit could have 鈥減rovoked鈥� them to take that step, 杏MAP导航 Francis explained.

The Good News has reached every corner of the earth

After that, Peter, and many others after him, have boldly proclaimed Jesus鈥檚 resurrection. That proclamation, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渉as spread everywhere鈥� reaching every corner of the earth鈥�. It has become 鈥渁 message of hope for everyone.鈥�

Christ, my hope is arisen!

This is why out outlook can be hopeful amidst life's most difficult and uncertain moments of life, the 杏MAP导航 said. 鈥淭his is the Easter message that we are called to proclaim with words, and above all through the witness of life鈥�, he said.

Mary, silent witness

Concluding his remarks before reciting the Regina Caeli, 杏MAP导航 Francis invoked Mary, the 鈥渟ilent witness鈥� of Jesus鈥檚 death and resurrection. He asked her to help us believe in the 鈥渕ystery of salvation鈥� that, when 鈥渨elcomed with faith, can change our lives鈥�.