We are an Easter People

Apr 22

Almost forty years ago, Pope John Paul II, on one of his many travels around the world, told a gathering of Catholics that "We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!" The Holy Father was echoing the thoughts of the great theologian, philosopher, and bishop, St. Augustine.

John Paul explained: “We do not pretend that life is perfect or all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery — the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song! We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the fundamental duty of love of neighbor, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of joy."

John Paul was speaking at the end of a year of change, conflict, and confusion. The U.S. was bombing countries in the Middle East, explosions at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union caused massive amounts of radioactive material to spread across Europe, civil disobedience in South Africa brought more pressure on the apartheid regime, and terrorism continued to bring violence and fear to many people and areas around the world.

In the midst of these tensions and struggles, the Vicar of Christ spoke to the nations about faith, hope, and love. In the waning days of the calendar year, in a time of transition and uncertainty, in the somber month of November, the Pope proclaimed that Christ conquers darkness and death and brings light and life. Much like St. Augustine, the Bishop of Rome was reminding God's people that we need peace in the chaos and confusion of the world. Peace on earth was possible.

The Easter Season reminds believers that the Resurrection is a continuous reality, not just a historical event. It is a call to be people of hope who stay strong in the face of struggles, challenges, and outside influences.

Today, Pope Leo, a son of Augustine, continues the tradition of his predecessors. Many of the problems that our world faced forty years ago are still with us. New challenges and tragedies have emerged. But our Shepherd shares a message of hope, healing, and peace: "War divides, hope unites. Arrogance tramples upon others; love lifts up. Idolatry binds us; the living God enlightens."

In this season of renewal, Leo calls us to put our faith into action. We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song! We are an Easter people; hope is our prayer. We are an Easter People - peace is our duty.