The rest of the story...

The joyful celebration of the Easter feast yesterday ushers in a time of celebration for Christians: a time to remember the promise of eternal life to those who believe in a Savior who rose from the grave. It is a wondrous event, and one that we rightly rejoice in.

But in the midst of rejoicing, it is important to remember the rest of the story: the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus. And if we are called to be like him, we must expect that we, too, will experience moments of sacrifice and suffering. John 13:16 certainly suggests that this will be the case when it says, "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master." 

It is hard to imagine that any of us will be asked to suffer as Jesus did, but neither should we expect a carefree life free of challenges. We are called to emulate a God who took on human form and showed us how to love and how to serve.

In giving his life for us, Jesus asks us to live our lives for others. He asks us to share in his work of redemption. That’s why the Gospel is never merely a call to be “nice” to others. There’s nothing sweet about Golgotha. Life in Jesus Christ is a call to heroic and self-sacrificing love.

- Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Archbishop of Denver

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Don't forget to enter the caption contest that runs through the end of April.

You can find out more about it here.

Good luck!