Easter: "Let the Holy Anthem Rise!"

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! He has risen as He said! There is no sweeter a word to Christians than the joyous Alleluia of the Easter Season—praise the Lord!

Every year, the world seems to need Easter more and more, and this year, the proclamation of: "Most blessed Father, I announce to you a great joy, which is: Alleluia!" will be a welcome and joyful gift to a downtrodden and pained world. What Easter proclaims to us is that no matter what pain we have endured or are currently suffering from—all is made whole again by the triumph of the resurrection. 

Being present to the Light of Christ in the dark shadows of the Easter Vigil calls us to the fullness of resurrection and all that it promises. Our hearts exult: "I know that my redeemer lives and He will raise me on the last day!" [Jon 19:25] 

This gives purpose and meaning to our sufferings. It causes us to find joy in the sorrows, forgiveness in the hurts, and peace in the unrest of our lives. It calls us to a new place of being—recognizing that Jesus triumphed sin and death for us—and that His Love propels our Love for ourselves, for others and for our good God. We can free ourselves from the chains of hateful people, places and things, and welcome the small anthems of Alleluia in all of our daily lives. The challenge is to remember the anthem, and be the Alleluia for someone else. The bigger challenge is to acknowledge that every time a door is opened for you, an elbow is supported on a steep curb, a heavy box is lifted from your arms, a smile is shown your way, a kind word is uttered, and a traffic faux pas is forgiven—the anthem is sung for you. How sweet and quickly do the small gestures become an anthem unto themselves. Alleluia! 

Listen to the recording of "Alleluia, Alleluia, Let the Holy Anthem Rise" here. 

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