What Difference Does Easter Make in the Life of A Christian?

Fr. James Martin summed it up perfectly in his recent article for the Wall Street Journal ......

"What difference does Easter make in the life of the Christian? The message of Easter is, all at once, easy to understand, radical, subversive and life-changing. Easter means that nothing is impossible with God. Moreover, that life triumphs over death, Love triumphs over hatred. Hope triumphs over despair. And that suffering is not the last word." (WSJ article, Fr. James Martin, Easter 2016)

I say AMEN to all of that!!
NJA

Importance of Stories

"To Survive You Must Tell Stories"
(Umberto Eco)

Jesus told stories and parables and related to the people of his time with earthiness, truth and compassion.

Mysticism-One Definition Among Many

"Mysticism does not create distance with others; it does not create an abstract life, but brings one closer to others because one begins to see and act with the eyes, with the heart of God."

Pope Benedict XVI

There are many definitions and explanations of mysticism. I also like this definition, "The direct experience of the presence of God."

St. Teresa of Avila on Humility

"Humility says St. Teresa of Avila must always be doing its work, like a bee making honey in the hive. Without humility all will be lost."
St. Teresa of Avila-Carmelite Saint and Doctor of the Church

(The importance of humility is recognized by many of the saints. Mary was humble and that humility and prayerfulness made her the perfect vehicle to bring forth the Savior. John the Baptist was humble as many of the great saints were. So humility is prized by God.) Be humble but be confident!!

Pope Francis on Climate Change On Trip to America

"Climate change is a problem that can no longer be left for future generations."
Pope Francis-Historic trip to the United States, speaking at the White House-Sept. 23rd, 2015

St. Therese's Love for Jesus

"Jesus draw me into the flames of your love, unite me so closely to you that you live and act in me."
St. Therese of Lisieux-Carmelite Saint and Doctor of the Church

Mary's Interior Life.......

"Mary's interior life consisted especially in her love for her divine Son."
St. Peter Julian Eymard