Easter is all about the Alleluia!
Spring has sprung. Flowers are peeking from under the blanket of the cold ground. Warmer temperatures are offering a hint of summer. Alleluia!
The school year is starting to turn the corner. New sports seasons . . . the final semester of the year . . . spring break. Alleluia!
After a week where we reflected upon and prayed about the Passion of the Christ, we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Alleluia! This is the completion of the story, this is the fullness of our story. Alleluia! We are an Alleluia people, we can not contain our hope or bury our belief. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Easter and Jesus’ resurrection remind us that the story, our story, can not end merely in shame, sin, suffering, or death. In the words of Saint Augustine, " We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song."
I feel ugly. Alleluia! God loves me no matter what.
I made a horrible mistake and have committed a sin that I believe is unforgivable. Alleluia! God is more than we imagine God to be. God forgives and ,at the same time, expects bigger things from me than to repeat such a small sinful choice.
I hurt more than I thought I ever could hurt. Alleluia! Our God, Jesus the Christ, has also “been there, done that” and found positive outcomes.
It’s over and done. There is nothing more. Alleluia! The story, our story, always has new life waiting as we turn the next page in life.
We are to be an Alleluia people. It calls for a change of our vision, our attitude, and the manner in which we communicate with others. In the words of the song, "Our God Is Here," artist Chris Muglia reminds us:
Here in this time, here in this place,
Here we are standing face to face. . .
Here for the broken, here for the strong,
Here in this temple we belong.
Here in our hearts, here in our lives,
Our God is here
Our God is indeed here. Alleluia!