Today we celebrate freedom and victory over death. Our hearts are filled with joy as we triumphantly proclaim the good news, Christ is Risen! It was only a few days ago that all seemed lost as we watched our Lord be crucified but, as always, he turned our sorrow into joy.
We must be mindful, however, that the freedom and victory we enjoy today came at a price, as do most freedoms. The price was the agonizing suffering and death of the one who loved us. We often here people say that they would lay down their life for this or that person or cause. When faced with the reality of the situation, however, I wonder how many would actually follow through.
Our Lord showed us that His were not merely idle words. He put His words into action and did indeed lay down His life for His friends so that we all might live. We can never return in kind the magnificent deeds that have been accomplished for us, but we can show our gratitude by living lives worthy of his love. One of the greatest ways in which we can do this is by following a very simple command that He gave to us—Love one another.
The world is, far too often, full of division, intolerance, and hatred. When we meet these attacks with love and kindness, however, we show that His word truly means something to us and that His suffering and death was not in vain. We cannot be people of empty words, who speak with our lips but do not have His message living in our hearts. Our thanks must be shown not in words, but in actions.
May the Risen Christ make His dwelling deep within us and may the love and joy that is felt today shine forth from us to those we meet, both today and throughout our lives.

With the bestowal of our blessings and prayers for all of you, we remain

          Sincerely in the Risen Christ,