04.22.11

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Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , April 22, 2011

Bishop Coleman’s Easter Message:

‘The Peace of the Risen Christ’

Dear Friends,

J O

esus said to the disciples, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:21-22). n the evening of the first day of the week, little more than 48 hours after the tragic events that had happened on the first Good Friday, the disciples locked themselves in behind closed doors out of fear for their own safety. Suddenly, the living Jesus appeared and stood in front of them. Jesus, who had loved them in a way that no other person had ever loved them, whom they thought was dead, spoke this message, which at once offered them consolation and announced great joy: “Peace be with you.” ith resignation to forces beyond their control, they convinced themselves that Jesus had been abandoned to death, that He had descended to the realm of the dead, as we profess in the Apostles’ Creed. They never expected Him to return. Christ’s resurrection, however, proves that death no longer has the final say; death no longer has power over us. Along with death, our Lord’s rising also conquers violence, hatred, and every evil. t this time, we look for the Resurrection. Our nation continues to fight several wars around the globe. The people of our country are also still experiencing the pain of long economic hardship. The cities of the Diocese of Fall River especially suffer from the effects of unemployment and a lack of opportunities. We believe that in His dying on the Cross, Christ reaches down to these depths, too, the depths of human suffering. We also know that, as He rises from the tomb, He raises up these realities to new life with Him. he Easter greeting of peace which Christ first extended to His friends, makes its way to our ears and to our hearts as well. This message is for us, who have put our faith and hope in the Son of God. This is why we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter; this event gives us immense joy and confidence in God’s goodness. t Easter, Jesus pours out His Holy Spirit upon the entire world. The living gift of the Spirit strengthens our faith in the Paschal Mystery, in Jesus’ dying and rising. It accompanies us in all our sufferings. It enables us to break free of every single thing that holds us bound. It lifts us up above sadness and brings us an abundance of grace and peace. ith prayerful wishes that the peace of the Risen Christ remain with each of you and your families this Easter, I am

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Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Bishop of Fall River


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