A Pilgrim's Journey: A New Creation

Thursday, April 4, 2024

A New Creation

In the crucified and risen body of Jesus Christ the new creation promised by God has come. St. Paul calls Jesus the “first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Like the first rose that blooms, or the first apple that ripens, it is the sign of more to come.

The resurrection of Christ means that death has been dealt the decisive blow. Christ has taken the sting out of death by dying for us, and now He asks us to live for Him. His resurrection means that He has given us a mission and He summarized it when He said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, you do to Me.”

Christ did not remain in the tomb, nor can we remain in the tombs we make out of our selfishness, or inaction, or lack of love for others. As St. Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” The resurrection is a call for us to go out in the Name and power of Christ, so that by our example, by our works of charity, and by our speaking the truth, the whole world may know the overwhelming power and the transforming truth of Christ’s resurrection.

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Pictured: "Resurrection of Christ" by Marco Basaiti (1470-1530)

Meeting Pope St. John Paul II

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."