Here follows a hodgepodge.
Snow on Easter Sunday: Good for a laugh; not without its charm. Snow on Easter Monday: Not even good for a chuckle, really; No longer charming, come to think of it.
This morning’s Gospel reading (Matthew 28:8-15) reminds us that those who were against Jesus on Good Friday were still against Jesus on Easter Monday. That’s why they started the rumor (today we’d say “planted the story”) that the tomb was empty not because Christ had risen but simply because the disciples had run off with the body. The rumor is a first-century example of confirmation bias, which – as every schoolchild knows – is dismissing or reinterpreting evidence that conflicts with an existing prejudice or a desired belief. In this case, because the enemies of Jesus so desperately did not want there to have been a resurrection they ignored what they’d been told and circulated a lie.
The problem with reality is that it’s real. I may want – and may desperately want – things to be other than as they are, but they stubbornly persist in being what they are. That’s the thing about things. And it’s a heck of a thing.
What could the enemies of Jesus have done differently? They could have allowed new evidence to transform their beliefs. They could have given reality permission to be what it was. And is. About which, more later.
Here’s news: Our FIRST-EVER Loyola Town hall ZOOM Meeting was such a hit that we’ll have our SECOND-EVER Loyola Town Hall ZOOM Meeting this coming Wednesday, April 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. As before, instructions will appear on the website and via Flocknote. You pastor, for one, can’t wait! But will just have to, because that’s the reality of it. Meanwhile, be there or be a quadrilateral, equilateral polygon.
Here’s a quotation from Pope Francis’ Easter Urbi et Orbi message:
“[The Resurrection] is the victory of love over the root of evil, a victory that does not ‘by-pass’ suffering and death, but passes through them, opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of God.”
That your hearts may be consoled, I commend to you the Holy Father’s entire message: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/papa-francesco_20200412_urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html
God is love. Love is at the center of everything. You are loved.
