It was very
difficult to watch! It was just
unthinkable. Notre Dame Cathedral on fire. There was a real concern – would it
be totally destroyed? Thank goodness for
the heroic firefighters.
Among the
heroes was Father Jean-Marc Fournier – he risked his own life to rescue the
Crown of Thorns and the Blessed Sacrament. Why?
He said
& I quote: “Everyone understands that the Crown of Thorns is an absolutely
unique and extraordinary relic, but the Blessed Sacrament is Our Lord, really
present in his body, soul, divinity and humanity and you understand that it is
hard to see someone you love perish in the blaze. As firefighters we often see
casualties from fire and we know its effects; this is why I sought to preserve
above all the real presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
One
could not even speak of the Eucharist in this way unless – Jesus is Risen.
On
this and every Easter we proclaim – the
one who was dead now lives – and is still with us here in the Eucharist. How
can this be?
What
is the Resurrection?
-
Some say it is a metaphor – Jesus was still alive in their hearts and
minds. He lives on in memory.
-
Some – another way to speak of nature after the death of winter, like
caterpillars to butterflies and frozen earth to green shoots.
-
Some – his legacy lives on. Jesus will live on, just like the writings
of Shakespeare on the music of Beethoven.
Nice – but
we believe in something more – That he physically rose from the dead – Why?
What is the evidence?
1) The Tomb was empty. Where is He? If
the authorities took His Body, why not show it?
If robbers – why did they leave behind the cloths, the only things of
value?
2) He was seen on 11 occasions, once by
over 500 people. Some say a hallucination – for 500???
3) The disciples were never the same.
They left the Upper Room never to return. All except John would die a violent
death – John in exile. Would you give your life for a made-up story?
4) It is still happening! Over 1 Billion
Catholics in the world. And the Faith is still being passed on. Paige will be
Baptized and Sharon & William received into the church.
So now – each
one must make a decision!
Was Jesus crazy or
dangerous – or did He speak the Truth?
Is he who he said He is? –
the Son of God?
And if He is, and He rose
from the dead – what does that mean for my life?
1)
Nothing can
separate us from God – not sin, not even death!
2)
I am called to
live in His light – to live His teachings, to be a light to my brothers and sisters!
After Father Fournier
found the Blessed Sacrament – he stopped – and blessed the Church with the
Eucharist.
He said & I quote - “Here
I am completely alone in the nave of the cathedral, in the middle of burning
debris falling down from the ceiling. I call upon Jesus to help us save His
Home. I did not want to simply leave with Jesus. I took the opportunity to
perform a benediction with the Blessed Sacrament”
Why? – Jesus is Risen! He
lives and He calls us to follow Him! – May the
Risen Christ bless you and your family this Easter!
