While the brass, guest conductor, Easter lilies, and pomp and circumstance of Easter Sunday are gone, we continue our celebration of Christ’s victory over death. Peter’s letter opens with a blessing to God for our living hope through Christ’s resurrection, even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings. While life’s difficulties never seem to cease, the same is true of the Church’s Easter proclamation. We are full of hope and joy because of the power of God’s mighty triumph over the grave.