On Palm Sunday, in my homily, I encouraged you to connect life and faith by reading scripture with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. As we approached Holy Week, in preparation to celebrate the Paschal Mystery, which is central to our Faith, the media inundated us with photos and stories of the dying of Terri Schiavo, as she was deprived of nutrition and hydration, and the rapidly failing health of the Holy Father, as he struggled to impart a blessing, with pain and frustration etched on his face. Here before our very eyes, Christ was dying. Before we had completed one week of Easter celebration, both had died. Terri Schiavo's family and friends, mourn her passing. Millions of people are in mourning because Pope John Paul II has died. In some sense, for those in mourning, it can feel like it's still Good Friday, even though Easter came early this year. However, the reality of Easter is not about feelings, it is not determined by a date on a calendar, or a cycle of the moon, or because a preacher proclaims it or a choir chants alleluia.

Easter becomes a reality when each of us who are believers makes our life a source of light for our fellow men and women, when our words heal, when our hearts understand, when lesser values die in us for the sake of greater realities.

Within history, the world will not be completely healed and reconciled, nor our tears totally wiped away, but only at the end of time, when Jesus returns. Yet nevertheless, the death and resurrection of Jesus has broken the hold of sin and death over us. You and I are the witnesses to this! As Jesus said to the first disciples, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Jesus will be seen by others if we, you and I, who are baptized in His name, make Him visible by what we say and do.

Thanks to all who, through various liturgical, pastoral, environmental, educational and human service ministries, through RCIA and RCIC, as well as giving witness through individual and private efforts, have made the celebration of Easter such a vibrant, faith-filled experience at Good Shepherd, and for the entire community.

As the Apostle Thomas touched the wounds of the risen Jesus, so have you, when you responded so generously to the needs of the hungry, the lonely, the homeless, the grieving, the frightened, those sick in mind, body and spirit. It was in a garden that Mary Magdalen met Jesus, and He called her by name. Many, thanks to those whose efforts enhanced the beauty of the liturgical space with decorations, and made it a garden where the risen Lord calls us by name. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Thanks to all who have prepared the youngsters for their First Communion, so they too may come to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

Christ has died, Alleluia!, Christ is risen, Alleluia!, Christ will come again, Alleluia! Alleluia!