Christus Resurrexit Sicut Dixit!

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  03/31/2024  |  Pastor's Letter

Christus Resurrexit Sicut Dixit! Christ is risen, just as He said! Happy Easter to you all and may God bless you abundantly this holy season!

Over the past week we have celebrated, as a parish, the mysteries of our faith: the Passion, Teachings and Death of Jesus Christ. This morning we celebrate his glorious Resurrection from the dead!

Congratulations to the newly baptized and their families. As well, congratulations to those parishioners who have been received into full communion. We are so happy that you all are with us at St John Vianney Parish! To those who are joining us while visiting family or enjoying spring break in Arizona - thank you for being here to help us worship and celebrate.

Jesus’ Resurrection offers all of us a promise of new and eternal life. Sometimes we want to go back in time or hold on to the present moment. But, Jesus did not come back from the dead as He had been before. He did not go back to the seashore in Galilee as the rabbi who had been there before. No, Jesus has not gone back to the good old days. His body still bears the marks and trauma of His Cross. But now His body and life are glorious and will never die again. He has not undone the horrors of the crucifixion, but rather has transfigured them into eternal glory.

We broken humans and traumatized people come to Jesus for healing - not to undo the past, but to truly and deeply heal us, to glorify us in His resurrection. Jesus promises us new life, not wiping our memories, but transfiguring us that we may live like Him.

We pray for all of our parishioners who continue to hurt or grieve today. We pray too for the body of Christ around the world this Easter, in so many places suffering from violence and war and poverty. As a local and universal Church we all keep our eyes on Jesus, next to an empty tomb and with hope that we will live forever.

Have a wonderful and blessed day together as a family. Remember, the family that prays together stays together!

In Christ,

Fr David

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