These weeks after Easter are a joyous time. Such a great time of worship celebrating Christ’s triumph! The season can also bring quiet moments of contemplation as we consider the loss the disciples felt after Jesus’ burial and even later following His ascension. We know something of loss. It can be personal, as with a spouse, friend, or family member. Or it can be other things like a loss of mobility, memory, financial stability, normalcy, and control. Sometimes, this sense of loss leads to fear and loneliness. The shadows daily hang over us.

Take heart! That same Jesus who appeared to His disciples — comforting, promising hope and His Spirit — comes to us continuously in His Word, the Sacraments, and in conversation with Christian friends. God is faithful; through Baptism He lives within us, His Easter light shining brightly. Alleluia!