Easter 2025
As we enter the Paschal Season (Easter), there is much to reflect on, and we must remember what blessing has been bestowed upon us because Christ has risen. I would like to share what Pope St. Leo the Great has to offer us in reflection on this blessed solemnity:
“I want everyone to remember that you are a new creation in Christ, and in all seriousness, understand what this means – that by identifying with Jesus Christ in your baptism, you have been adopted by God the Father. Therefore, do not let anything God makes new in you slide back into the old ways. This is what Jesus meant when he said that no one who puts his hand to the plow looks backward—to do the work of plowing, you need to keep your eyes on the row ahead of you. Don’t fall back into the old version of yourself, no matter how hard it is or how weak you think you are – if you think you’re weak or not healthy enough – remember that being strong and healthy means following Jesus through death into resurrection. You did this at your Baptism, back when it was easier. Now, you need to keep following in the path of resurrection that Jesus set for you. Then, no matter how slippery the path of life is, you won’t slide into the quicksand, but your feet will stay on solid ground. Keep all this in mind, my beloved, not only for this Paschal season but all year round and all our life for the sake of your sanctification.”
There seems to be a bit of Lent in this statement. Still, the underlying message is that what we receive through this great gift of the Lord’s Resurrection should not be one of turning back to our old way of living but instead following the graces that the Lord has obtained for us to live as new creations. We need to keep our eyes on the goal that the love of Christ leads us to. Jesus has become victor over death and sin, and there is a need for us to embrace the victory of Christ by rejecting sin and living in victorious joy to the end of our lives.
This powerful and saving event, which we celebrate with faith and joy, acknowledges that we were reinstated by God’s grace. St. Paul reminds us that we can now walk in the newness of life. As St. Paul also teaches, we are “adopted” brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some of us celebrate this blessed and joyous event the same every year, but we are not the same every year. Events and circumstances in our lives change (we age), but they all point to the fact that Jesus Christ is risen, and he truly is inviting us to share in his risen life which will have different meanings but prepare us for eternal life. Let us stay firm in our blessed commitment and allow the alleluias to ring out loudly from the center of our beings.
Blessed Easter to you!
f. Abbot Sharbel Ewen, O.S.B.
Prince of Peace Abbey
