“Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. … Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them … and they were all cured” (Acts of the Apostles 5:12a, 15, 16b).
F or three years, the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the world population, and despite the four or five doses of vaccines that we have been injected with, there are still new infections.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus rose, and the injection of his new life continues to heal millions. What would humanity be without the vaccines that have saved millions?
What would humanity be without the resurrection of Jesus, who injects our lives and sends us inoculated with hope to the world that suffers mortal discouragement?
Each Eucharist in which we participate sends us into the world like traveling Easters. By acknowledging our mistakes and asking for forgiveness with humility and sorrow, we proclaim his resurrection. By putting all our talent and energy into service in favor of others for the sole reward that another human being manages to grow in mind, body or soul, Christ proclaims his victory over the grave. When going out to encounter someone who feels alone or excluded, with the conviction that this is also a brother or sister for whom Jesus has emerged victorious from the cross and the grave, the Passover of Jesus is undoubtedly present among us.
By forgiving someone who has caused me harm simply because I acknowledge that the Lord has forgiven me countless times, the risen life of the Savior in whom we believe is manifested. By persevering in prayer even in situations that seem impossible or fruitless, convinced in my heart that nothing is impossible for God, I manifest in my existence that he is the Lord of life and death. By witnessing a man or woman, upon receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, achieve an authentic healing of mind and body that no doctor can explain, the Easter of Jesus walks triumphantly through our streets.
All those women and men who pray without ceasing for the conversion of the minds and hearts of those who live in violence, hatred or resentment make Easter tangible. All those believers who serve the needy in churches, prisons and food banks, all those who evangelically serve without allowing their left hand know what their right hand is doing, aware that the Lord rewards them in the depths of their hearts, all those who suffer physically or morally, uniting their suffering to those of the heart of Jesus to continue saving the world, they help us encounter the Risen Jesus walking side by side with the humanity he loves.
A popular religious song says, “Be, friends, the witnesses of my resurrection. Go carrying my presence, I am with you.”
My everlasting gratitude to those Walking Easters like our Blessed Mother Mary.