Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Alleluia! Jesus Christ is truly risen. The Christian rejoices and is glad at Easter for the marvelous sign of God’s love and mercy: the crucifixion, death, and Resurrection of our Savior and all that Our Lord promises.
Pope Francis, in opening this Jubilee Year for the Universal Church, encouraged all to see this holy year, with its focus on the virtue of hope, as an “opportunity to appreciate anew, and with immense gratitude, the gift of the new life that we have received in Baptism, a life capable of transfiguring death’s drama.” Our Lord’s victory over sin and its consequences makes possible our hope. By God’s grace, when we see by the light of faith our vision extends beyond the limited horizon of this world and into the glory and splendor of eternal life.
At Eastertime, Sacred Scripture tells us that Peter “ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.” (Lk 24: 1-12) We follow in the footsteps of Peter in the Easter season, marveling at our Savior’s triumph with the same amazement. May we resolve to carry the joy of this season in our hearts throughout the rest of the year so that we may enjoy the true freedom that God offers.
May Our Lord Jesus bless you with his peace and increased faith, hope, and love throughout the Easter season, the Jubilee Year, and always.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
