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April 8, 2023On the Solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, our Gospel reading takes us back to the time, when on the third day after Jesus’ death, Mary of Magdala went back to visit the tomb of Jesus, early in the morning. It happened that when she got there, she saw the stone removed and thought that “they have taken the Lord from the tomb.” So she ran immediately and let Simon Peter and the other disciple know. They both ran and the realization of the Lord’s resurrection started to unfold.
We should not miss the fact that only three days ago, Simon Peter denied Jesus three times. When Jesus was on his way to Calvary, Peter stepped back. He denied his relationship with Jesus. He stopped his involvement in life of Jesus. He only looked from afar, perhaps. But now, he runs back. He is back as a friend and disciple of the Lord. He returns to the tomb signifying his return to the way of faith. He is a disciple, who once got lost, but now is returning home, back to the embrace of Jesus, our Lord.
Perhaps, you can identify with Simon Peter. You have been “away” for a while, only looking from afar. You know that your heart beats for Jesus but for some reason, you decided to step back. But you are here again. You have returned. You want to be back in the loving presence and embrace of the Lord, and you vow not to let anything separate you from the love of Christ. WELCOME HOME. There is a reason why you are back to Church today and certainly, the Lord’s call is instrumental in that.
I recommend that you also come back to Confession. Sin weighs us down but forgiveness gives us comfort, hope and strength. Going to confession after a long time can be intimidating but many priests are more than happy to gently walk you through it. Do not let fear keep you away from the grace of the sacrament of confession.
I also recommend that you get yourself involved in the parish. Faith is not meant to be a solitary practice. It is learned, deepened and strengthened only in the context of a community. This is the reason why we have godparents for sacraments like baptism and confirmation, or why we gather weekly in the mass, or why we are asked to register in a parish community, and not simply float around.
Coming from a long absence, you may want to start with small faith groups such as Catholics Returning Home. It is a program in our parish that aims to help you slowly reintegrate into the community and to assist you in your rediscovery of the truths about Jesus. Knowledge is foundational in faith. St. Augustine tells us that “the more we understand, the better we believe.”
Finally, know that your coming back to the faith is a “resurrection story”. It is an Easter story that is so precious in the eyes of God. It is a cause for rejoicing, for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine people who do not need of repentance.
Happy Easter to you and your loved ones.
