Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. He has entered a new neighborhood, and he has made room for us. After three days in the tomb, Jesus rose again to display his power over death - all death - his and ours. The resurrection is a sign of God’s power and of human hope. We have nothing to fear. We trust God’s complete desire to end all misery and to raise us up in glory.

The letter to the Colossians says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above . . . Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.”

With the resurrection of Jesus, we have moved into a new neighborhood. We no longer live in a place of sin and suffering. We live in hope and glory. We sustain this happy life when we seek what is above, not what is on earth. We contemplate the life of prayer, charity, and peacefulness, not the life of greed, selfishness, and hatred. We live in a new place away from the addictions of old.

This Easter day brings immense rejoicing. It also brings expectations. It expects that we who are privileged to live the risen Christ will keep up the neighborhood. We will have all the help we need from the Spirit who dwells within us. This Easter, let us joyfully think of what is above and place ourselves at the service of the One who will raise us up in glory.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2004, Archdiocese of Chicago