As we prepare to celebrate the highest feast of the liturgical year during this evening’s Easter Vigil, we joyfully proclaim: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)
It is said that death is a terrible enemy, and it wounds all of us in one way or another. Christ was also afflicted by death, but through it demonstrates the necessity of offering everything to our Father in Heaven at all times. We must pray for the grace to also surrender our crosses to God. Such trials are not intended to weaken us, but rather bring us closer to our loving family in Heaven.
There are many examples of the inherent goodness in suffering and, paradoxically, sorrow. It often takes time and patience to recognize the connection. For example, when we have lost a loved one or are going through other difficult times (physical, financial or emotional struggles), they remind us just how much we rely on God. When bearing witness to the suffering of others, we can and should reach out to help them during their difficult times. These are the opportunities to act as God’s messengers of the Good News.
We can be confident that Christ has already done the heavy lifting for us. He has removed the stone guarding the entrance to the tomb. We should not be surprised or “puzzl[ed]” as the women at the empty tomb were. He will take care of our concerns. The tomb is empty and Jesus has been raised, just as He said.
Christ, help us to love and believe in You at all times, both in our lowest of lows and highest of highs. May we always bask in the joy of that moment when You appeared in your risen glory and displayed to us eternal life!
Happy Easter!
Al prepararnos para celebrar la fiesta más importante del año litúrgico durante la Vigilia Pascual de esta tarde, proclamamos con alegría: “¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu victoria? ¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu aguijón?” (1 Cor 15,55)
Se dice que la muerte es un enemigo terrible, y nos hiere a todos de una manera u otra. Cristo también fue afligido por la muerte, pero a través de ella demuestra la necesidad de ofrecer todo a nuestro Padre Celestial en todo momento. Debemos orar por la gracia de entregar también nuestras cruces a Dios. Tales pruebas no tienen la intención de debilitarnos, sino más bien acercarnos a nuestra amada familia en el Cielo.
Hay muchos ejemplos de la bondad inherente del sufrimiento y, paradójicamente, de la tristeza. A menudo se necesita tiempo y paciencia para reconocer la conexión. Por ejemplo, cuando hemos perdido a un ser querido o estamos atravesando otros momentos difíciles (batallas físicas, financieras o emocionales), nos recuerdan cuánto dependemos de Dios. Al ser testigos del sufrimiento de los demás, podemos y debemos ayudarlos en sus momentos difíciles. Son oportunidades para actuar como mensajeros de la Buena Nueva de Dios.
Podemos estar seguros de que Cristo ya ha hecho el trabajo pesado por nosotros. Ha quitado la piedra que guardaba la entrada de la tumba. No debemos sorprendernos ni estar “desconcertad[os]” como las mujeres ante la tumba vacía. Jesucristo se ocupará de nuestras preocupaciones. La tumba está vacía y ha resucitado, tal como dijo.
Cristo, ayúdanos a amarte y creer en Ti en todo momento, tanto en nuestros momentos más bajos como en los más altos. ¡Que siempre podamos disfrutar de la alegría de ese momento en el que apareciste en tu gloria resucitada y nos mostraste la vida eterna!
¡Felices Pascuas!
Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of four little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.
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