Easter Octave 2026 - Monday - “To the dead, he has given life.”

 

For the secular world, Easter is over now. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however, today is the second day of a fifty day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the light of the most important thing that ever happened. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, just as he said he would.

The Catechism says, “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament; and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross: Christ is risen from the dead! Dying, he conquered death; To the dead, he has given life.”

“To the dead, he has given life.” What powerful words these are! This truth resounds through every Easter Alleluia we sing. It is meant to animate every day of our life.

This is what we see already in today’s readings. In the first reading, Peter stands in Jerusalem and boldly proclaims that the crucified Jesus has been raised up by God. Peter himself is a sign of what the Resurrection does. The man who once hid in fear now speaks with courage. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene runs to announce the news to the disciples. Sorrow has given way to joy and urgency.

The Resurrection is not only something that happened to Jesus; it is something Jesus now shares with us. His victory becomes our victory. His life becomes our life. Souls, dead because of sin, have been raised up. Lives under the sway of sin are freed. Again, fear is transformed into boldness. Sorrow is transformed into joy.

This season, the secular world, which has forgotten Christ, which never really knew him, is to witness His resurrection through us. That’s why on this 1^st day after easter sunday, we are given examples of Easter witness: Mary Magdalene sharing the news with the disciples, St. Peter boldly proclaiming Christ to the crowd. Mission. The Church has a mission. You and I have a mission. We

The world needs to see signs of his Resurrection in us: in deeper hope, in real joy, in renewed courage, in freedom from sin, in charity and peace. Christ is truly risen, and has given us new life—and that life is meant to be lived.

May the power of Christ’s resurrection continue to raise us to new life and help us to witness to his great victory for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

Brothers and sisters, rejoicing in the victory of Christ who has conquered death and given new life to his people, let us bring our prayers before the Father.

For the Church throughout the world: that, renewed by the joy of Easter, she may boldly proclaim that Christ is risen and bear convincing witness to his victory by lives of holiness, charity, and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and deacons: that the power of the Resurrection may strengthen them in their ministry and make them fearless heralds of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who govern the nations: that the risen Christ may turn hearts from violence, division, and despair toward justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of every human life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who were baptized or received into the Church at Easter: that they may remain close to the risen Lord and grow each day in the new life of grace they have received. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those whose souls are burdened by sin, fear, grief, illness, or hopelessness: that the Lord Jesus, who gave life to the dead, may raise them up with his mercy and fill them with peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who have died: that they may come to share fully in the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection, and for the consolation of those who mourn them. Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest:
Heavenly Father, you raised your Son from the dead and made him the source of new life for the world. Hear the prayers we place before you and make us faithful witnesses of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Octave of Easter 2025 - Monday - "To the dead, he has given life."

 "It is with profound sadness to announce to you that At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. We pray too for the Church, that the Holy Spirit may console us, as we grieve the loss of the Holy Father, and that she might be guided in the election of a new Pontiff."

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For much of the secular world, Easter is over now. They're back to normal life. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however today is the second day of a fifty day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the light of the most important thing that ever happened. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, just as he said he would.

News of the death of Holy Father Pope Francis has certainly cast a pall over our easter joy. And yet, we are grateful for the gift of his life, his pontificate, and the fact that he was able to celebrate one last easter with the Church whom he loved and served with his whole life.

We commend his soul to the Lord, and recall, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the sign of hope for him and for us all. Had Christ not risen from the grave, our faith and our hope would be in vain. But Christ is risen, and death does not get the last word, for Pope Francis or for any of Christ’s beloved.

The Catechism says, “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament; and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross: Christ is risen from the dead! Dying, he conquered death; To the dead, he has given life.”

“To the dead, he has given life.” What powerful words these are! Not merely poetic sentiment, but the very heartbeat of our faith. This truth resounds through every Easter Alleluia we sing, every Mass we celebrate, every moment we live in Christ.

Today, we face the loss of Pope Francis—a shepherd who taught us tirelessly that death is not an end, but a doorway. The sadness we feel today gives way to hope, because the risen Christ extends His victory over death not only to Himself but to each of us.

As we continue our Easter journey, let us renew our commitment to Christ, who transforms sorrow into joy, despair into hope, and death into life. May our hearts echo the Easter proclamation with renewed confidence: Christ has risen; truly He is risen! Alleluia

 

With faith in the Risen Christ, who conquered death and gave life to the dead, we present our prayers to our merciful Father:

For Pope Francis, our beloved Holy Father who has returned to the Father’s house; that he may now rejoice forever in the glory of the Risen Lord, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully.

For the Church throughout the world, as we mourn the loss of Pope Francis; may the Holy Spirit bring consolation, peace, and strength to all believers, and guide the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect his successor.

For the whole world, particularly those who do not yet know or believe in the joy of the Resurrection; may this Easter season open their hearts to Christ, who gives life and hope to all.

For all who grieve today, especially those who mourn Pope Francis, and all who have recently lost loved ones; may the Resurrection of Christ assure them that death does not have the final word, but that through Christ, life triumphs over the grave.

For our parish community, that during this sacred season of Easter, we may renew our commitment to Christ and become ever more confident in sharing the Good News of His Resurrection.

For all the faithful departed, especially Pope Francis, and those whose faith is known to God alone; may they experience eternal joy and peace in the risen presence of Christ, who has conquered death.

Father of mercy, hear our prayers as we rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son. Comfort our hearts, guide your Church, and make us always faithful witnesses of your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Octave of Easter 2023 - Monday - Easter is more than a day, it's a way of life

 For much of the secular world, Easter is over now. They're back to normal life. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however today is the second day of a fifty day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the light of the the most important thing that ever happened. Christ rose from the dead, just as he said he would.

It is also the second day of the Octave of Easter. The two major feasts of the church year, Christmas and easter, are proceeded by seasons of preparation: Advent and Lent, and then each feast is extended by an octave. A week of feasting. So feast to God’s glory each day this week. Make each day this week a glorious celebration in some way.

In the early Church, the newly baptized would attend Mass everyday this week, wearing their white garments.  Listen to the words the priest speaks to the newly baptized: 

You have become a new creation and have clothed yourselves in Christ. Receive this baptismal garment

and bring it unstained to the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you may have everlasting life.

The newly baptized are a reminder to all of us of the grace of baptism which Easter makes accessible for us. The source of our dignity is easter. For through baptism we rise with Christ the risen one. And are made into a new creation. Having been “clothed with Christ” as St. Paul says, we are to make no provision for the flesh, and keep our baptismal dignity unstained as we await the return of the bridegroom.

Just as the Easter Sacraments brought new life to the newly initiated, Easter rejuvenates the entire Church. These Easter days are to renew in us that conviction that Jesus rose from the dead. Like St. Peter bursting out of the Upper Room, filled with the Spirit, Easter is to energize us into bursting into the world to preach with courage, like St. Peter in the Acts of the Apostles this morning, like Mary Magdalene in the Gospel. 

And there will be a variety of reactions to our witnessing. St. Peter’s courageous preaching was met with repentance and belief. But in Matthew's Gospel, we heard that right from the beginning there was a chilling conspiracy to hide the fact of the resurrection.  The chief priests and the elders gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’  The early Church was well-aware of the dark powers that continue to work at odds against the Church, against Christ.

Nevertheless, the first commands Jesus gives to those who first saw Him after His resurrection are: "Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news".  We cannot be afraid to witness.  Non-believers are waiting to meet Christ through our witness.

Some may sneer at us, others may even try to silence us, but some are waiting to meet Christians who are faithful to the promises of their baptism, who give witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, who witness through their integrity of life, through their conversion from sin. A simple, “Happy Easter” might cause someone to realize that there are people who believe Easter is more than a day, it is a way of life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn to earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.

For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.

For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the Risen Christ. 

For our own community, that it may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ, and that the newly initiated hold fast to the faith they have received. 

For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.

Easter Octave 2022 - Monday - Fearful, yet overjoyed

 

When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the place where Jesus was buried, their first encounter was with an empty tomb.  

Lovingly and dutifully, they went to the tomb, Easter Sunday morning to anoint the body of Jesus—to complete the burial rites left unfinished by Joseph of Arimathea. On their way to the tomb, they wonder  “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” After all, the stone was heavy. It was large. It was truly a foreboding obstacle. It took several people to roll it into place, it was going to be more difficult to move out of the way.

Despite this obstacle, they went to the tomb anyway. They could have stayed home. They could have dwelt on the enormity of this obstacle and stayed home. What beautiful fervor, that these holy women, despite the obstacle, go to fulfill the duty of charity anyway. And it was in that experience of being faithful and dutiful and charitable that the women encountered the angel and receive news of the resurrection.

A charitable heart, a dutiful and obedient heart opens itself to receive the good news. Alleluia.

After announcing to the women that Jesus had risen, the angel tells the women to go to announce the Goodnews to Peter and the other disciples--as a sort of Apostle to the Apostles, as the early church called her. And that’s where our Easter Monday Gospel picks up. 

Receiving this commission by the angel, we heard this morning that “They went away quickly”. This reminds me of the beginning of St. Luke’s Gospel. When our Lady is told to go to her cousin Elizabeth, St. Luke tells us that Mary left in haste. When we receive a commission by an angel, we do well not to dilly-dally. 

“They were fearful and overjoyed.” St. Matthew tells us. There’s an apt description of the Christian life if I’ve ever seen one. Christians are constantly to be going into unknown territory to spread the Gospel. That’s a fearful task, and yet, we are filled with joy, knowing that we are being faithful to the work God has given us.

And again, in this experience of being faithful, despite their fear, the women have an encounter, and this time not with an angel, but with the Risen Lord Himself.

Like the holy women on Easter Sunday morning, the Church is called to be industrious in our charity, diligent in seeking the Lord, and at the same time confident that when we are faithful, God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. The Lord will take care of the heavy lifting. 

And it’s okay to acknowledge that the work of the Gospel is often fearful—to speak to strangers, to stand before kings. Notice, that the Lord himself tells them, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid how the disciples will react to this news, tell them anyway. The same goes for us. Don’t be afraid how people will react to the good news, let us tell them anyway, trusting that if there is some obstacle in their hearts, some heavy stone, God will move it, if God wills it.

Dutiful, charitable, trusting in God, may we be faithful to the spread of the Gospel and the work God has for us today and all days, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.

For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.

For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the Risen Christ. 

For our own community, that it may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ, and that the newly initiated hold fast to the faith they have received. 

For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.

Easter Week 2021 - Monday (EF) - Remain with us, Lord!

 Having encountered the risen Lord on the Road to Emmaus, the two disciple offer that beautiful supplication, “Mane nobiscum”, “Stay with us Lord.” The Carmelite Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen writes, “Stay with us Lord! It is the cry of the soul who has found its God and never again wishes to be separated from Him.” 

The Lord’s appearance on the road was mysterious. The disciples did not immediately perceive him—and for a number of reasons that we can surmise: the lack of understanding concerning his resurrection, their lack of faith that good Friday did not end in defeat, their fear about their own future. 

So too with us. Certainly our weak faith, our fears and anxieties, often keep us from detecting the presence of the Lord. Theologically, we know that God dwells within the soul in a state of grace, and our that the Lord is really and truly present in the Eucharist. The request, “stay with us, Lord” has been answered by God—through sanctifying grace and the gift of the Sacraments. We know this to be true, theologically, intellectually. And yet, we also know there is a difference between knowing something in our heads, and knowing it in our hearts. 

Likely, it is more up to God than our own efforts that the veil of that heart knowledge of the His presence is made known. But when that veil is pulled back, oh boy, we cry out with the disciples, “stay with us”. 

And yet, we know too, that those moments of profound intimate heart knowledge of God are often fleeting, for they are but a foretaste of heaven. God grants these holy moments, these spiritual consolations, to spurn us on in the Christian life. And we do well to recall them in moments of temptation and desolation.

We also do well to dispose our souls to the gift of heavenly consolation, through prayer and charitable works.

In an article for the Universe Bulletin, dear departed Bishop Lennon wrote a powerful description of this powerful spiritual dynamic. He wrote: “ when our life is centered on a false God of prosperity, prestige, or mere pursuit of the good life—one will likely reap a harvest of exhaustion and unhappiness.  But, the person and family, who places Christ at the center of life, including God in  their weekly schedules and activities, meals, chores, conversations, parenting, work, vacations, civic responsibilities, decisions, problems, crises, accomplishments, losses—the whole of their lives become changed and charged with God’s presence.”

Having broke bread with the Lord, the disciples of Emmaus “set out immediately” in order to report what they had seen. The Christian whose life is charged and changed by the Risen Lord becomes an effective instrument of bringing souls to Christ. There are many souls who have not met the Lord, who long to meet him, and often it’s in sharing our encounters with the Lord that will touch them and draw them closer to Him.

May our Easter celebrations help us to put and keep the Lord at the center of our lives, and share our Easter faith with the world, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Easter Monday 2017 - Fearlessly sharing the good news

“Do not be afraid!” Easier said than done! The women left the tomb, half overjoyed, half fearful. They had come face to face with the angel of the Lord and experienced a violent earthquake. Anyone in their right mind WOULD be afraid. The romans had crucified their Lord, the Jewish leaders couldn’t be trusted, capable of insidious plotting and conspiracy. The only way you wouldn’t be, if you were commanded by God…as they were, and as have we.

“Do not be afraid!” the Lord commands us. His Word strikes down our fears when we trust Him.
This Easter week is all about preaching, preaching the good news of the resurrection, spreading it among non-believers, those who have still not allowed the Gospel to take root in their hearts. We are not to allow fear to keep us from this mission, the divine mandate: to preach, to proclaim, to spread.
The two Mary’s in today’s Gospel are tasked with bringing the good news to the apostles, those who should have known better. Sadness, fear, depression had begun to grow in them, their lives seemed ruined, they were crushed—their leader, their master and teacher arrested and killed. Even after the Lord had told them repeatedly he would rise, they just couldn’t see past their sorrow.

So the two Mary’s are sent to them: to rekindle hope, to deliver the message of good news.

Likely, there are people in our own lives: neighbors and family who suffer from similar sadness, fear, depression, those who think they are trapped in a cycle of bad luck, or face illness or unemployment. Perhaps the Lord wants to send us on a mission: to go to them to say, “the Lord will give you strength because he is risen…when life gets me down I find it important to go to the blessed Sacrament chapel…or a particular passage of scripture…or I pray a rosary every day in order to bring my troubles to God…or I make sure I gather together with other Christian families to know that I’m not alone”

Christ is alive, he is risen, and we can receive his life, his peace, his strength, his wisdom, when we unite ourselves to him and trust him.

May we be free from fear and faithful in proclaiming the good news this day and all days for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Filled with paschal joy, let us pray more earnestly to God that he, who graciously listened to the prayers and supplications of his beloved Son, may now be pleased to look upon us in our lowliness.
1. For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the strength to govern wisely, the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.
2. For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace given by Christ.
3. For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness which no one can take from them.
4. For our own community, that it may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ.
O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ Our Lord.