Easter Sunday 2024

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Easter Sunday

March 31, 2024, John 20:1-9

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033124.cfm

Who Will Fill My Emptiness?

Peace be with you, my friends, and to all you love and cherish. Welcome to our Easter Celebration of our Risen Lord Jesus. Happy Easter!

I walked with Mary to the tomb of Jesus in prayer. What a shock for her and the disciples to find the tomb empty. I can hear their thoughts, “What are we going to do now?” First, Jesus is dead, and now his body is missing.

While pondering this, all kinds of empty tombs came to mind. I think of the emptiness of the widow and widower who just lost a spouse. I think of the parents who open the cupboard and the fridge and have nothing to feed the family.

I can’t help but think of all the empty tombs around us this Easter morning. I think of the emptiness of the widow and widower who just lost a spouse. I think of the parents who open the cupboard and the fridge and have nothing to feed the family.

I think of the immigrant who comes here from Ukraine, running away from utter terror. Where do they start? They can’t speak the language and have nothing in their pocket to get something to eat.

Think of the neglected child and the single parent whose heart is empty but must keep struggling to care for their children. Think of Pinellas Hope, Venezuela, and Catholic Ministry Appeal. Who runs with Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John to these empty tombs?

You and I are running, of course. We do not fear going down into those empty places in ourselves and others. The Risen Jesus, the victor over everyone’s death, is waiting to rise from our nothingness, failures, dead ends, and empty cupboards. We must run into that empty tomb of people we know who need our ministry. If we don’t, there may never be a resurrection for them.

What about us? We have burdens and problems only the Lord can manage. The great thing is that Jesus did the heavy work. As Mary Magdalene discovered, the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb was rolled away.

Whatever we must tackle, don’t go alone. Take Jesus with you.

Listen to Paul in the Colossians: Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Did you hear that?

Our life is hidden with Christ. He is our protection. When we leave our affairs with Him, everything will be peaceful. Pray over and over, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you; take care of everything,” and He will. He resolves the most difficult situations in the most amazing way.

The only thing left in the empty tomb of Jesus was the wrappings they used to bury His Body. When we investigate the empty tombs of people we served and our empty tomb, please God, all that we will see are memories to be forgotten—no more empty cupboards. No more worry or sleepless nights. Even a heavy heart can find solace in our friendship.

Go with Mary Magdelene just as you find yourself at this moment. What is exciting for us is that we know the tomb is empty. So, where is Jesus? Like Mary, Peter, and John, you may be surprised where you find Him.

Peace be with you, everyone, and Happy Easter.

Easter Vigil Only

We will be welcoming into our parish family Lisa Evans, Aaron Taylor Johns, Kim Wooland, and McKenzie Delacruz, who will receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

They have been on a journey, getting to know Jesus personally and getting to know our faith, handed down to us from the Apostles.

Let’s pause momentarily and welcome them into our hearts as Jesus welcomes them into His Church.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com