You can't get to Easter Sunday without Good Friday

He is risen.

Happy Resurrection Sunday, friends.

When I think of the Resurrection story, I cannot help but think of the crucifixion. We cannot – we must not – get to Easter Sunday without Good Friday.

Traveling Shroud of Turin crucifix

Traveling Shroud of Turin replica exhibit

Jesus died for my sins. Jesus died with nails in His hands and in His feet for my sins. There is nothing that I can do to earn that. It is solely through God's unconditional love that He saves. Jesus paid the ultimate price for my soul ~ and He lavishly covers us in that Grace.

As a Catholic, walking the road to Calvary with Christ, praying through the Stations of the Cross, taking the 40 days of Lent seriously, listening to the message of Holy Thursday, recognizing my part in Good Friday and then rejoicing on Holy Saturday ~ these are the most beautiful parts of my year.

When I think of the tremendous suffering of our Lord –. When I contemplate the moment that Jesus shared bread and wine with the one who would betray Him –. When I focus on his ability to both serve others (washing the feet of those who walked with him) and receive acts of service (allowing a woman to bathe His feet with perfume and tears) –. When I think of His death on a cross – the cruelest of deaths –. When I meditate on all of these things, I feel the fullness of my sin. I cannot separate the agony He endured in the purchase of my soul from the gravity of my sin. He has undeservedly walked through the deepest of pain for each one of us. He died on that wooden cross ... for us.

But, three days later, Christ rose. He gloriously left a borrowed grave empty, and, He gave us hope beyond hope.

He is risen.

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph our Easter Vigil. What a joy it is to be a member of this beautiful parish. It was glorious to watch on as so many men and women chose to accept God's unfailing love, be sealed in the sacrament of Confirmation, receive Holy Eucharist and be Baptized in the waters of new life. 

Wishing you and all those you hold dear a blessed Resurrection Sunday!