Some years ago I was watching the Australian Open final when Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland beat Rafael Nadal in four sets. Before the match no one expected that number 8 seed could beat the number 1 seed in a Grand Slam. The tennis world has been ruled for the last several years by the top three players – Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer. For Wawrinka, the taste of victory could not have been sweeter and for Nadal it was a bitter night. As the festivities continued and the crowds went gaga over the new champion, I could see Nadal disappear into the shadows unacknowledged and forgotten. That is when I began to think how our world loves a winner and does not care for losers.
One of the most touching post-resurrection stories recounts the encounter between Jesus and Peter on the shores of Lake Galilee. I am sure you are familiar with that passage. Jesus prepares breakfast for His disciples and while they are smacking their lips and relishing the delicious fare, the Master takes Peter aside. I imagine that a million thoughts raced through the first apostle’s mind. He wonders whether Jesus would reprimand him or express His disappointment at his denial. Instead, the Lord floors him with a simple question: “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
More than ever, we need Easter now. With fear and uncertainty hanging over us, we need the assurance of the Risen Christ Who has conquered sin and death. More than ever, we need the assurance of life when so many of our fellow Americans are falling victim to this dangerous virus. More than ever, we need the hope and joy that Easter brings because a heavy pall of darkness and sadness envelopes us.
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Born in India to deeply-committed Catholic parents, Fr Britto is one of seven children. He joined the Salesians of Don Bosco as a young man and was ordained a priest in 1981.
After he completed his priestly formation and his early education in India, he came to the US for his graduate degree in Journalism at...Read more...
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