Easter Monday

Once again, the enemy of the Lord does not miss an opportunity. Sacrilegiously, it appears on this Easter Monday. You have probably guessed. Yes, it is money. Jesus often chastised Pharisees who loved money. Jesus admonished his apostles not to carry money for their missions. Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus warned us we cannot serve God and money together. And, on the day of resurrection, the soldiers sold the truth of the resurrection of Christ for money. Money stops the news of Christ’s resurrection. Money obscures the truth of Christ’s resurrection.

Are you worried about money these days? In the middle of this pandemic, many people have lost their jobs. Many businesses see their sales drop down dramatically. Governments have to offer economic stimulus packages and disaster funds. And, churches - they find their offering baskets empty.

It is true that we get poorer now. And many people will face serious financial crises. And we do not know how long we will have to suffer this economic downturn.

But are not our brothers and sisters actually suffering from this pandemic? And are not many families losing their loved ones? Do I want money and convenience over the lives of my neighbours? But if we lose our lives, what are money and comfort for?

We cannot allow money to overpower the news of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus warned us the worries of the world and the love of riches will choke the word of God as the thorn bush chokes the seedling.

How can we spread the news of this new life of Christ? How can we bring the life of resurrection? How can we testify to the truth of Christ’s resurrection in this time of plague?

Imagine we can save the lives of our neighbours from this pandemic. It will be another kind of resurrection. If our poverty can bring life to our neighbours, we will choose it. If our inconvenience can protect my neighbours from the plague, we will endure it. Our Lord is the Lord not of the dead but of the living. Our Lord has risen from the dead, Alleluia.