Feast of Hope! Family Reflection Video

Halleluiah, Jesus is risen! He is risen to die no more. He is risen to take away our fear of death. He is risen to give us hope. He is risen to give us new life.

Famous English novelist George Eliot said, "Our dead are never dead until we have forgotten them." As long as we remember them, they live among us. As we reflect on the resurrection of Jesus, we need to ask ourselves, what difference do I make in the life of others so that others remember us? What have I done to bring hope to others? How am I bringing new life to others?

Today's readings invite us to get rid of the fear of death, look to the risen Lord with hope, and lead transformed lives. We are told that Mary of Magdala went searching for her Lord at dawn. At first, she does not recognize the Risen Lord because her focus is not on Him but on the empty tomb and her grief. An encounter with the Lord gives her hope. An experience with the risen Lord gave Peter courage and a new life. Peter became a new man. We read in the Acts of the Apostles that when they heard Peter speaking about the Risen Christ; they were cut to the heart.

A famous Mexican saying says, "They tried to bury me, but did not know that I am a seed." When they killed Jesus on the cross, they thought his story was over. But they did not know that they were burying was a seed. He was a seed of love, hope, forgiveness, and suffering. Today that seed has grown like a mighty tree giving rise to millions of people who would change the world with Jesus' love, hope, forgiveness, and joy.

We come across many such people who have grown from the seed of God's love for us. They rely on the strength they draw from the risen Lord after the stone had been rolled away. May the risen Lord bless you and your families as you rely on Him and share the fruit of His love.

What difference can you make in the life of someone else with your life?

• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)