Transformed through Lent, Begin Anew in Easter

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington
(From the issue of 4/8/04)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised" (Lk 24:5-6). These words, spoken originally to three women at daybreak on the first Easter, are now being spoken to us this Easter.

Lent is over. What a tragedy it would be if we were to go back to living the way we did before Lent began. We are being reminded today that we cannot go back because something radically new and wonderful happened on that first Easter: Jesus Christ was raised to new and unending life. The Risen Lord Jesus triumphed over evil, sin and death and now lives forever to intercede for us before God His Father.

Because the Lord Jesus is truly risen and because He shares His risen life with us, we can cope with the uncertainties, problems and challenges which come to us in our daily lives. In Him we find the strength to persevere in the face of temptation and difficulty and to remain faithful to our Baptismal promises to avoid sin, to live our Catholic faith in all its fullness and to love God and neighbor.

Because the Lord Jesus is truly risen and because He shares His risen life with us, we cannot return to the way we were, to a tomb-like existence. Rather, we now live with new hope and inner joy because our Risen Lord and Savior is at our side — in our homes, in the workplace, in daily life wherever we go.

On this Easter and throughout the Easter season, I am praying for each of you, asking the Risen Lord Jesus to fill you with the hope, peace and joy which He alone can give. A blessed Easter!

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde

Bishop of Arlington

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