In his 2018 Easter Message, Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders says that there is much to reflect upon at Easter and thereafter. It is in gratitude that we remember his words of the last supper “do this in memory of me”. Photo: Catholic Mission.
By Bishop Christopher Saunders
Those of us who have ventured out to Town Beach on Roebuck Bay, at the right time in the morning, most often enjoy the engaging experience of a delightful sunrise over the water.
This rousing moment can only be described as spectacular and memorable. As the sun rises, the blanket of utter darkness that is typical of a Kimberley night gives way to a shimmering grey light which gradually morphs into an ever brightening sky, so as to herald the arrival of a brilliant sun. Another day has gloriously begun.
In 2016, Pilgrims from the Diocese of Broome went to the Holy Land. One morning before dawn we assembled quietly and we walked through the old city of Jerusalem praying the Stations of the Cross along pathways that would have been then familiar to Jesus as he carried His cross. As we arrived at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the first light of dawn spread throughout this most Holy Shrine lifting the mantle of darkness while revealing in the sunlight the grave where Christ is no more for He has risen.
We celebrated Holy Mass and therein recognised in our prayer and thanksgiving the risen Christ as our Saviour, as a Grace for our world and for the greater glory of God. In the words of the canticle,”Christ Our New Born Lamb Has Been Sacrificed, Alleluia. He is Our Bread and Our Life, Alleluia. Come, Come Sing a Song To Him. Alleluia, Alleluia.” The empty tomb was evidently a powerful sign of our Easter Faith made good through the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ who lives yet among us. The Easter event which we celebrate, at the Vigil and on Easter Sunday, in our churches, is a celebration of a new dawn for humanity. Here it is, on the great Christian feast day, that we should remember once more that Christ in his resurrection has brought to life new beginnings in faith. Death is conquered, we are redeemed by his holy sacrifice and for us all there is therefore hope.
Our prayerful pilgrimage this Holy Week has prepared us superbly for this Easter joy. Each day of the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter – has adequately connected in our minds and hearts the passion, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus was possible only because of his death. His death was clearly sacrificial as demonstrated by his suffering on Good Friday, a suffering poured out for love of us. There is much to reflect upon at Easter and thereafter. It is in gratitude that we remember his words of the last supper “do this in memory of me”.
The call in song of “Christ Our Light”, that rings out at the Easter Vigil, confirms that it is He who dispels the darkness of death and despair. It is also true that we His disciples are called to become Christ’s light for humanity, enlightening the world in which we are called to live. “For you have called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light.” Let our light shine now and always.
I wish you and your families God’s choicest blessings this Easter.