Living as Easter People

COURAGE

My lessons in courage come from Mary, who had the faith to say yes to God, without certainty of the future. She journeyed with Jesus no matter how painful it was and stood at the foot of his Cross, watching him die, never losing her faith in God’s promises. We take on Mary’s courage when we walk with someone on their journey, when we stand steadfast in our faith, and when we raise our children to know and love God, especially in a world, described by Pope Francis as no longer “able to lift its gaze towards God.” Read Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55, for encouragement.

Compassion

Compassion, a word that literally means “to suffer with,” is foundational to the Easter story. Christ suffered, died and rose from the dead to redeem us. He took on our sins and suffering so that we might have everlasting life.

As an Easter people, we are called to carry that compassion forward and transform our world through it. Impelled by Christ’s example, we need to extend compassion to every person, recognizing that we are brothers and sisters in one human family and must share one another’s burdens.

To do so requires that we reject the culture and language of polarization; ensuring that we speak with empathy and love even about those with whom we disagree. We can stand for our moral beliefs and take action on behalf of the vulnerable and victimized, focusing less on fighting an enemy and more on converting hearts. In the days to come, decide to pause and consider your words before responding to a situation. Consider how compassion might make a difference.

Gratitude

I recently read a wonderful description of gratitude as “the wardrobe of Easter.” The author reminds readers of St. Paul’s