What Now?

Readings for Monday April 25, 2011

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Mt. 28:8-10)

Here we are. Lent is over, our time spent in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving has hopefully brought about real spiritual growth. During the Triduum, we entered more fully into Christ's passion, death on the cross, and His resurrection. Finally, on Easter Sunday we proclaimed the risen Lord! Once again, we have entered into the heart of our faith, the thing that it all rests on: Christ's death and resurrection. So the question that I ask is now what? What will we do this this? Will we simply slip into our everyday lives until we come to the next Lent? Or will we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, and help us bring this hope that we have to others. Will our resolved to be good, faithful disciples of the one true God?

We each have a choice; allow Christ to live more fully in us, or allow ourselves to become lukewarm and be caught up in the anxieties of the world. One leads to Heaven, the other does not.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help increase our faith so that we may never stop serving you, but only offer all of ourselves to you. Lord, you are our hope in this world, let our fire burn brightly for all to see. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.